US to ease internet curbs for Iranians

"We are going to help make sure the Iranian people are not kept isolated and in the dark," said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Qazet.az reports.

The relaxation of software controls will allow American tech firms to expand their business in Iran.

At least 35 people have been killed in the worst unrest in Iran for years.

Mahsa Amini, 22, fell into a coma last week, hours after morality police arrested her for allegedly breaking headscarf rules.

Officers reportedly beat Ms Amini's head with a baton and banged her head against one of their vehicles. The police have said there is no evidence of any mistreatment and that she suffered "sudden heart failure".

Anti-government protests continued for an eight straight night on Friday, while pro-regime rallies also took place in Tehran and other cities. 

Mr Blinken said the partial relaxation of internet restrictions was a "concrete step to provide meaningful support to Iranians demanding that their basic rights be respected". It was clear, he added, that the Iranian government was "afraid of its own people".