SECURITY IN TEHRAN REMAINS HIGH DISPITE NO RECENT MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS

Over the past few days, there have been no major developments reported in Iran, and there are indications that some sense of normalcy is returning in the capital, Tehran, and other cities. No major unrest has occurred recently, although there is reportedly still a heavy security presence in Tehran. Although some reformist leaders continue to call the 12 June presidential election results invalid, there have been no reports of street demonstrations or calls for rallies. Despite the absence of unrest, tensions remain high in Iran; security will likely be bolstered in light of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the July 1999 student protests that were violently suppressed. The anniversary falls on 9 July. Additionally, security will likely be increased for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's swearing-in ceremony; the date has not been announced but it could take place as early as 26 July. It has been reported that SMS text messaging services have been unblocked in Iran; cell phone, text messaging and Internet usage was severely restricted following the 12 June election. Despite the lifting of the block, SMS services continue to experience technical problems that have affected services. Media restrictions remain in place.