Iran Restores Internet Access After Months-Long Nationwide Blackout
Internet access has been restored across Iran following a government directive aimed at rolling back months of sweeping restrictions that had left large parts of the country digitally isolated amid ongoing security tensions and conflict.
The order was reportedly issued by President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the semiofficial Mehr News Agency, which cited a source within the Ministry of Communications confirming that nationwide connectivity had been reinstated after a prolonged shutdown.
The development comes after what monitoring group NetBlocks described as a near-total internet blackout lasting more than 87 days, during which access to online services and communication platforms was heavily restricted across the country.
The disruption significantly affected daily life, limiting citizens’ access to news, communication, and digital services, while also crippling businesses that rely on the internet for transactions and operations.
The blackout occurred during a period of heightened insecurity, including reported bombardments involving Israel and the United States, further worsening conditions for civilians already facing restricted access to information and communication channels.
For many residents, the absence of internet services made it difficult to follow developments, reach family members, or access emergency updates, deepening concerns about isolation during a sensitive period.
The restoration of connectivity is expected to ease these challenges by reopening digital communication channels and improving access to information after months of disruption.
Earlier in January, protests had also erupted in Iran following calls for mass demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Witnesses reported gatherings in Tehran and other major cities, with some residents chanting from rooftops and taking to the streets.
Shortly after the protests began, internet and telephone services were reportedly shut down, further limiting real-time reporting and communication, according to international media accounts.
The unrest reflected growing public frustration over worsening economic conditions in the country and marked a notable moment in the ongoing political tension within Iran.
The latest restoration of internet services comes as Tehran continues diplomatic discussions with the United States aimed at easing months of conflict and instability that have affected the region.
While the move has been welcomed as a relief for many citizens, uncertainty remains over whether all restrictions have been fully lifted or if certain platforms may still face controls under continued security oversight.
