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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Farnoush Amiri and Sarah El Deeb

People desperately trying to call family in Iran are getting mysterious robotic responses

Iran Amir Rashidi Israel Tehran The Associated Press United Kingdom United States
Iranian protesters chant slogans during a protest to condemn Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, after the Friday prayers ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) - (AP)

When Ellie, a British-Iranian living in the United Kingdom, tried to call her mother in Tehran, a robotic female voice answered instead.

“Alo? Alo?” the voice said, then asked in English: “Who is calling?” A few seconds passed.

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