The Iranian government has begun restoring partial internet connectivity after a near-total blackout that lasted 88 days. The connection was originally severed on February 28, the first day of the war between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. and Israel, following a pattern seen during mass protests in January.
As connectivity flickered back to life around 5pm on Tuesday, messages, images, and poems flooded social media feeds. While some Iranians expressed joy at regaining access to the outside world in a country where connectivity is typically restricted via censorship, others reacted with skepticism, anxiety, and anger. Some continue to wonder how long the access will last and note that not everyone has regained connection.
The partial lifting of restrictions has also revealed a rising tide of anger regarding severe food price inflation. Ordinary Iranians have voiced dismay over massive annual price increases, specifically 308% for vegetable oil, 190% for chicken, and 170% for rice.