Iran’s judiciary has suspended a key presidential cyberspace body that had recently moved to ease long-standing internet restrictions, triggering a fresh institutional power struggle over digital control in the country.
According to the judiciary’s Mizan Online platform, the decision followed multiple complaints filed against the Special Headquarters for Organising and Governing the Country’s Cyberspace, the agency responsible for coordinating national internet governance policies. The suspension effectively strips the body of its authority at a moment it had begun rolling back connectivity restrictions.
The move comes just days after the body approved measures to restore internet access nationwide, a decision confirmed by government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani. The policy shift had been linked to President Masoud Pezeshkian’s directive supporting a gradual reopening of online services after months of tight controls.
The earlier announcement had raised cautious optimism among citizens and businesses affected by prolonged communication disruptions. Iran’s internet restrictions were first imposed during large-scale protests and later intensified amid escalating regional tensions, including conflict involving the United States and Israel.
During the shutdown, authorities introduced a tiered access system known as “Pro Internet,” which allowed limited higher-cost connectivity for select users, further highlighting strict state control over digital access.
Monitoring groups, including NetBlocks, previously described the blackout as one of the most severe in recent years, lasting for more than 80 days and significantly disrupting communication, commerce, and access to emergency information.
The current suspension now adds uncertainty to Iran’s digital policy direction, as it halts ongoing efforts to restore nationwide connectivity and raises questions over which state institution holds final authority over internet governance.
Analysts say the development reflects a deeper internal struggle within Iran’s political system between institutions pushing for reopening digital access and those seeking to maintain tighter control over online activity.
