Full Breakdown
Iran’s President Orders Restoration of International Internet Access After 87-Day Blackout
5/26/2026, 8:17:50 AM
Presidential Order to Restore Global Internet
On 25 May 2026 President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a decree directing the Ministry of Communications to reconnect Iran to the international internet at the level that existed before the January protests. The order does not specify a date or technical procedure for reconnection.
Background: Protests, War, and Prior Shutdowns
Iran first shut down the national internet on 8 January 2026 amid anti-government protests sparked by a sharp rial decline. After brief normalization in February, a second blackout began on 28 February following U.S. and Israeli strikes. Restrictions have persisted for 87 days, reducing traffic to about 2 % of normal levels, according to NetBlocks.
Timeline of Restrictions
- 8 Jan 2026 – Initial shutdown
- Feb 2026 – Partial restoration
- 28 Feb 2026 – Re-imposition after strikes
- 25 May 2026 – Presidential decree to restore access
Scale of the Blackout
NetBlocks says most Iranians have been offline for 87 days, with only a few able to use costly VPNs. The domestic intranet supports messaging, banking and school curricula but cannot sustain the broader digital economy. Interior designer Mahla, 55, says she sold valuables to pay staff and cannot use AI tools, Google or email.
Government Statements
Tasnim and Fars described the decree as “aimed at restoring internet access to its pre-January state.” The Communications Ministry confirmed the president’s order. The Supreme Council of Cyberspace, chaired by Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref, reportedly approved the measure, though IRGC-linked Fars News questioned whether the council, not the president, holds authority to lift the restrictions.
Dissent and Conflicting Details
IRGC-affiliated outlets argue the Supreme National Security Council originally authorized the shutdown and must reverse it, casting procedural doubt on the president’s decree. Reports differ on the reconnection date, with some citing a possible lift on 27 May and others mentioning 5 June. The legal authority to end the blackout remains contested.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The decree aimed at restoring internet access to its pre-January state was communicated to the Ministry of Communications by the president,” — Tasnim and Fars news agencies
- “the artery of hope for the young generation,” — Ehsan Chitsaz, Deputy Minister of ICT
- “Sattar Hashemi, Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, stated in an interview with the local daily newspaper Shargh that the process of restoring internet access has begun.” — Sattar Hashemi, Minister of ICT
- “She said the lack of internet access also prevents her from properly using artificial intelligence tools, Google and her email, making it impossible for her to do her work.” — Mahla
Outlook
The Ministry of Communications has not published a detailed rollout plan. Observers note that the decree coincides with ongoing US-Iran ceasefire negotiations, suggesting a diplomatic signal. Restoration is expected in the coming weeks, subject to technical coordination by the Special Headquarters for Organising Cyberspace.
