Iranian authorities partially restored global internet access on Tuesday, ending an 88-day blackout, the longest in the country's history. The nationwide shutdown, which caused thousands of people to lose their jobs, was imposed during protests in January and a war involving the United States and Israel.
While home broadband connections have resumed in some areas and traffic monitors confirmed an uptick in activity, mobile internet remains largely blocked. Many Iranians still rely on VPNs to access international websites and social media, and connectivity is expected to remain restricted even after the blackout is fully lifted.
President Pezeshkian ordered the international internet to be reopened, a move Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref described as the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace. This development occurs as diplomatic talks between Tehran and the US gather pace. However, an Iranian court suspended the order before it could fully take effect, leaving citizens in legal and digital limbo.
Internet monitors report that the government announcement did not have an immediate noticeable impact for all users. It remains unclear whether technical or political issues are delaying the complete end of the clampdown.