Internet access limited by Iran ahead of protests

TEHRAN, Iran — Tehran residents say authorities have moved to limit Internet access ahead of expected anti-government protests to deny the opposition a vital means of communication.

They said Sunday they were unable to access e-mail and that the government's blockage of opposition Web sites have been tightened.

It was not immediately clear whether the limited access was nationwide or limited to Tehran.

Separately, authorities have told journalists working for foreign media organizations not to leave their offices to cover the street protests expected Monday.

Dec. 7 is a traditional day for rallies marking the killing of three students during a 1953 anti-U.S. protest. It has served as a day for pro-reform protests since the 1990s.