Trump rips Iran for shutting down internet amid protests

President Trump slammed Iran over reports that its regime blocked internet access in the country amid demonstrations in Tehran against the government on Sunday. 

{mosads}”Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!” the president tweeted. 

Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017

The president’s tweet comes after the Iranian government appeared to have moved to shut down the internet over the weekend. 

The reported shutdown was in response to a slew of protests against the country’s regime. The demonstrations have included calls for the removal of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

Multiple deaths have been reported amid the protests. 

Trump voiced his support for the protests in a separate tweet earlier on Sunday.  

Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017

The tweet mirrored statements from a bipartisan group of lawmakers and influencers, who also praised the protestors. 

Trump’s former presidential opponent and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also tweeted her support for the protesters, saying she hoped the Iranian government would respond peacefully. 

The Iranian people, especially the young, are protesting for the freedom and future they deserve. I hope their government responds peacefully and supports their hopes.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 30, 2017

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) praised the president’s rhetoric toward the regime, but said he needed to do more.

“He has to do more than watch. He actually has to act. And if I were him I would withdraw from the nuclear agreement with Iran next year if it’s not made better by the Congress and our European allies,” Graham told CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday.