Iranian businesses are reeling from an internet blackout, imposed while authorities used massive force to crush large-scale protests, which has crippled commerce in an already battered economy. Tehran has blocked internet access since Jan 8, after anti-government protests spread across the country and led to the bloodiest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and uncertainty persists over when it will reconnect to the global web. According to US-based rights group HRANA, the verified unrest-related death toll has reached 5,848, including 209 security personnel. Official figures put the death toll at 3,117. Reuters was unable to independently verify the numbers.

Full report : Tehran has blocked internet access since Jan 8, after anti-government protests spread across the country.