US President Donald Trump has indicated that Iran's decision to end its unprecedented Internet blackout is a sign that the country wants to reach an agreement with the United States.Speaking at the opening of a cabinet meeting in Washington on April 27, Trump said Iran was "intent" on a deal."I think it looks like they want to just make a deal. I don't think they have a choice. They're just going back to the Internet because they're getting clobbered. Their economy is in freefall," he said.
Iran switched off access to the Internet after the beginning of US and Israeli military strikes on February 28.It has previously taken similar steps during times of internal unrest, such as during mass nationwide protests in January. But this latest Internet shutdown was the longest it has ever imposed.The economic toll of Iran’s blackout has been significant. Afshin Kolahi, an official from Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, said during an April 12 session that the shutdown was costing the country up to $40 million per day. Indirect losses, he said, were up to $80 million each day.Talks OngoingTrump also hinted at the progress of diplomatic efforts to reach a deal. The United States and Iran have been sending proposals backwards and forwards via Pakistani mediators."They want very much to make a deal. So far, they haven't gotten there. We're not satisfied with it," Trump said."But we will be. We will be. Either that or we'll have to just finish the job," he added, apparently referring to a resumption of military action.
