Iranian authorities have partially restored internet connectivity after an almost three-month shutdown imposed during the war with Israel and the United States.
Internet monitor Netblocks said on Tuesday that “live metrics show a partial restoration to internet connectivity in Iran on day 88” of the blackout. The group described it as potentially the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history, but said it was unclear if the restoration would be permanent.
State news agencies IRNA and Fars reported that “full international internet connectivity has been restored” for users of fixed broadband services. However, Netblocks had not confirmed full restoration, and witnesses said mobile internet remained cut.
Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said on X that “the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken,” adding that the demands of Iranians “will be fulfilled.” Aref chairs the government’s Special Task Force for the Regulation and Governance of Cyberspace, which voted Monday to restore access to pre-January levels.
The blackout began on February 28 when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran started, following an earlier shutdown from January 8 during mass anti-government protests. During the 88 days, most Iranians were limited to a domestic intranet for shopping, ride-hailing and education.
Residents reported mixed access. “A few minutes ago I could open international websites using my home internet provider,” said a 22-year-old woman from Kermanshah who asked not to be named. A user in Tehran said his company’s internet had been restored but “mobile connection remained the same” without any access.
Netblocks said connectivity had risen from close to zero to around 35 percent of typical levels, but warned of “more extensive filtering” than before January, including additional restrictions on messaging apps like WhatsApp. VPNs were still needed to access some social media platforms.
The restoration came amid diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington to end hostilities. The move followed an order by President Masoud Pezeshkian to reopen international internet access, though a court later suspended the task force overseeing the process pending judicial review.
