Iran announces limited ban on smartphones and laptops

Iran has banned government officials and their bodyguards from using all communication devices linked to the networks. The ban, announced Tuesday, includes mobile phones, smart watches and laptops.

Iran did not elaborate on the reason for the ban, which was reported by the semiofficial Fars news agency. However, it suggests Iran suspects Israel used digital signatures from electronics to launch its strikes, which have decimated Iran’s military leadership.

Iran also appeared to be slowly restricting access for the public to the outside world on Tuesday night as landline telephones appeared to be no longer able to receive or dial international phone calls.

Iran offered no acknowledgment of the restriction, which has happened during nationwide protests in the past and during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war.

International websites as well appeared to be restricted for internet users. However, local websites appeared to be functioning. That likely signals Iran has turned on its so-called "halal net," Iran’s own locally controlled version of the internet aimed at restricting what the public can see.