"Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday that authorities recognise the public’s right to access information, while emphasising that recent restrictions on internet services were imposed due to the 'current security conditions'. “The free internet and secure access of the people to information is a principle for the 14th government, and it respects it,” Mohajerani said during a press conference in Tehran. “Recent restrictions are not the preferred decision of the government, but naturally, as the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has announced, it is a decision of security agencies and is a result of the current security conditions,” she added. Iran has enforced a nationwide internet shutdown since last Thursday following protests in several cities. On Monday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that “Internet service will be resumed in Iran in coordination with security authorities.” Economic protests began in Tehran in December and spread to other cities. Iranian officials said they were working to address protesters 'justified' issues but also accused 'enemies' of the country of attempting to exploit them. US President Donald Trump was accused of escalating tensions and interfering after he warned Iran he could intervene amid any potential crackdown. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claimed some protesters were destroying property to 'please' the US president. Pro-government rallies were held across the country in support of state-led reforms and to condemn the rioting."