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🇧🇪 Belgium /Economy & Trade

Iranians Gradually Reconnect Online After 3-Month Internet Blockade Amid Economic Hardship

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Millions of Iranians are gradually regaining internet access after a nearly three-month national blockade imposed by the regime.
  • The internet connection is not fully restored, with many still relying on expensive VPNs and remote areas remaining offline.
  • The internet shutdown severely impacted the economy, causing price hikes and significant business losses, leaving Iranians feeling uncertain and hopeless.

After almost three months of a nationwide internet blackout, millions of Iranians are slowly coming back online. The Iranian regime restored access to the international network earlier this week, but the connection is far from complete. Many Iranians continue to use costly VPNs for stable access, while those in remote regions remain offline.

In Iran, we live trapped between no war and no peace.

— Iranian young manDescribing the precarious and uncertain situation in Iran.

The economic consequences of the prolonged internet blockade have been severe. Food and rent prices have surged, and numerous businesses suffered substantial losses. This period of isolation has deepened feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness among the population.

Iranians describe their situation as being "trapped between no war and no peace." One teacher expressed that life feels unbearable, regardless of conflict. A young man shared that the lack of reliable internet forces him to use expensive VPNs, not only for connectivity but also to shield his online activities from potential hackers and trackers.

Life feels unbearable, both with and without war.

— Iranian teacherExpressing the difficult living conditions in Iran.

Internet monitor Netblocks confirmed the gradual restoration of service, noting that mobile networks and other parts of the infrastructure are being reconnected. However, the situation remains fragile, with many still struggling to establish consistent online access, particularly in more isolated parts of the country. The return to connectivity is a relief, but the underlying economic hardship and sense of precariousness persist.

Don't get too excited. They are coming online one by one, but via VPNs. This is the first message from my aunt in Iran.

— Iranian individualDescribing the gradual and partial restoration of internet access.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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