Iran partially restores internet access after months-long shutdown

Iranian authorities have partially restored internet connectivity, ending an almost three-month shutdown that had largely isolated the country from international networks. The disruption left citizens reliant on a domestic intranet for daily tasks like shopping, ride-hailing, and education.

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Live metrics show a partial restoration to internet connectivity in Iran on day 88.

Netblocks, an internet monitoring group, reported a partial restoration on Tuesday, marking the 88th day of the shutdown. It remains unclear if this signifies a permanent end to what is described as the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history. Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref posted on X that the "first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken" and that Iranian demands "will be fulfilled."

State news agencies IRNA and Fars reported that full international internet connectivity had been restored for fixed broadband users. However, Netblocks had not confirmed this, and witnesses inside Iran indicated that mobile internet access was still cut. Some users reported that home internet with Wi-Fi was back, but VPNs were still necessary to access certain social media platforms.

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The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken.

This shutdown, imposed when regional conflict erupted on February 28, followed a similar blackout in January during mass anti-government protests. Activists suggested the earlier closure aimed to obscure the crackdown on protests and prevent further demonstrations. Doug Madory, head of internet analysis at Kentik, advised perspective, noting that Iran has "a long way to go to get back to pre-Jan-8 levels of traffic volumes."

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Iranian demands “will be fulfilled.”

The prolonged internet outage had sparked significant debate within Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, seen as more moderate, was reportedly eager to end the measure due to its severe economic impact. However, the president does not hold the final decision-making power on such matters.

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A few minutes ago I could open international websites using my home internet provider.