New Delhi, Jan. 19 -- A border crossing with Iran in Turkey's eastern province of Van has not seen a major influx of Iranians seeking asylum from the unrest in their country, but many have been making short jaunts across the border to get around communications blackouts.

Internet service has largely been blocked in Iran since Jan. 8 during mass protests and a violent government crackdown, although on Saturday witnesses said text messaging and very limited internet services began functioning again briefly in parts of Iran.

While the protests have largely subsided and an uneasy calm has settled over much of Iran, the ongoing communications blackouts have created difficulties, particularly for those who rely on the internet for work.

Iran...