Full Breakdown
Iran Orders Reopening of International Internet After 90-Day Blackout
5/25/2026, 10:35:10 PM
Reinstating Global Connectivity: The President’s Directive
On 25 May 2026, President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an order to restore Iran’s international internet access after a near-90-day shutdown. The directive, reported by Iranian state media and confirmed by the head of public relations at the Communications Ministry, did not specify the exact timing or technical steps for reconnection.
Background: From Protest-Driven Shutdown to War-Era Restrictions
The blackout began on 8 January 2026 in response to nationwide anti-government protests. Partial service resumed in February, but a second, more extensive shutdown was imposed after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on 28 February 2026. Since then, the country has relied on a domestic intranet for essential services, including online schooling.
Key Actors: President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Communications Ministry
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office earlier in 2026, holds executive authority over national communications policy. The Communications Ministry, through its public-relations office, serves as the official conduit for announcing changes to internet access.
Timeline of the Blackout and Reopening Order
- 8 Jan 2026: Nationwide internet blackout imposed amid protests.
- Feb 2026: Gradual restoration of connections; services return to normal levels.
- 28 Feb 2026: New blackout initiated following US-Israeli strikes.
- 25 May 2026: President Pezeshkian orders reopening of international internet access.
Scope of the Disruption: Data from NetBlocks
The internet observatory NetBlocks recorded that, as of 25 May 2026, Iranians had been unable to reach the worldwide web for 87 days. Only a limited number of citizens accessed the global internet via costly, advanced VPN services that bypass state restrictions.
Implications for Iranian Society and Economy
Extended isolation from the global web hampers communication, limits access to international news, and constrains businesses reliant on cross-border data flows. The reliance on a state-controlled intranet also affects education, as schools continue to deliver curricula through the domestic network. Restoring international connectivity could alleviate these pressures, but the lack of a clear implementation plan introduces uncertainty.
Official Statements and Government Response
State media cited an official from the Communications Ministry confirming the president’s order and acknowledging that the reconnection mechanism remains undefined. The announcement emphasized the decision as a response to the prolonged blackout rather than a shift in broader censorship policy.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
All sources agree on the blackout’s duration and the president’s order, yet they uniformly note that the method and timetable for restoring full access are unknown. No details were provided regarding technical steps, potential phased roll-outs, or whether the intranet will be dismantled.
What’s Next: Prospects for Restoring Full Internet Access
Analysts anticipate that Iranian authorities will outline a reconnection schedule in the coming days, possibly leveraging existing infrastructure used for the intranet. Monitoring by NetBlocks and international observers will likely continue to verify when, and how, global internet services become operational again.