Internet access slowly resumes in Iran after months-long blackout

Iran has begun the process of restoring international internet access after a nearly 88-day nationwide blackout, a move confirmed by the country's Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref. President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly issued an order for the internet to be reopened to its pre-January 2026 status, with the directive being delivered to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology.

The extended disruption, which global internet monitor NetBlocks described as one of the longest in modern history, had been in effect since late February 2026, following reported attacks from the US and Israel. This recent shutdown came on the heels of another period of internet restrictions in January 2026, implemented amid anti-government protests.

While partial restoration has been observed, NetBlocks indicated that connectivity levels had risen, though it was unclear if this signified a permanent end to the extensive internet shutdown. The blackout severely impacted civilians' access to information and hindered businesses relying on stable internet services.