Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to restore international internet access, Iranian state media reported on Monday. The announcement comes after a near-90-day blackout that followed the conflict with the United States and Israel. The report cited the head of public relations at Iran's Communications Ministry, though the specific mechanism and timeline for reconnection remain unclear.
Duration of the Blackout
According to the internet observatory NetBlocks, most Iranians have been unable to access the worldwide web for 87 days. Only a small number of citizens could use expensive and advanced VPNs to bypass the restrictions. The blackout was initially imposed on January 8 in response to nationwide anti-government protests. Connections gradually returned to normal in February, but a new blackout began on February 28 following the start of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.
Background of Internet Restrictions
Even during normal times, access to the global internet in Iran is heavily restricted, with many websites censored. Authorities have increasingly relied on a national intranet to provide connected services without depending on the worldwide web. This intranet has been particularly important for schools, which currently follow an online curriculum. The decision to reopen international access marks a significant shift, though details on implementation are still pending.
