People in Iran describe heavy security and some damage in first calls to outside world

"Several people in Tehran were able to call The Associated Press and speak to a journalist there. The AP bureau in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was unable to call those numbers back. The witnesses said SMS text messaging still was down and that internet users in Iran could connect to government-approved websites locally but nothing abroad. The witnesses gave a brief glimpse into life on the streets of the Iranian capital over the four and a half days of being cut off from the world."

"They described seeing a heavy security presence in central Tehran. Anti-riot police officers, wearing helmets and body armor, carried batons, shields, shotguns and tear gas launchers. They stood watch at major intersections. Nearby, the witnesses saw members of the Revolutionary Guard's all-volunteer Basij force, who similarly carried firearms and batons. Security officials in plainclothes were visible in public spaces as well."

"Several banks and government offices were burned during the unrest, they said. ATMs had been smashed and banks struggled to complete transactions without the internet, the witnesses added. However, shops were open, though there was little foot traffic in the capital. Tehran's Grand Bazaar, where the demonstrations began Dec. 28, was to open Tuesday. However, a witness described speaking to multiple shopkeepers who said the security forces ordered them to reopen no matter what. Iranian state media had not acknowledged that order."

Iranians were able to place outbound mobile calls for the first time since communications were halted during a crackdown that activists say killed at least 646 people. Witnesses in Tehran said SMS text messaging remained down and internet users could access only government-approved local websites, with no access abroad. Witnesses described a heavy security presence in central Tehran, including anti-riot police in helmets and body armor and Revolutionary Guard Basij volunteers carrying firearms. Several banks and government offices were burned and ATMs smashed, forcing banks to struggle to complete transactions. Shops were open with little foot traffic, and Tehran's Grand Bazaar was ordered to reopen. Iran says it communicated with Washington.

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