Full Breakdown
Iran Begins Partial Restoration of Internet After 88-Day Nationwide Shutdown
5/28/2026, 1:26:59 PM
Partial Restoration of Connectivity
On 26 May 2026, internet monitoring groups NetBlocks and Kentik reported a “partial restoration” of Iran’s global internet at around 13:00 GMT, after an 88-day blackout that began on 28 Feb 2026 following U.S. and Israeli strikes. Fixed-line broadband showed limited service, while mobile networks remained largely offline. The restoration was described by NetBlocks as “unclear” whether it will be sustained.
Background: War-Driven Digital Blackout
Iran first imposed a nationwide shutdown on 8 Jan 2026 to suppress anti-government protests. The February shutdown coincided with the outbreak of war between Iran, the United States and Israel, and was justified by officials as a measure against espionage and cyber-attacks. The 88-day interruption is the longest recorded nationwide internet outage in modern history.
Key Decision-Makers and Institutional Actors
- President Masoud Pezeshkian – ordered the reopening of international internet access.
- First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref – chaired the Special Headquarters for Organising and Governing the Country’s Cyberspace and announced the first step toward “free and regulated access.”
- Deputy Minister Ehsan Chitsaz – communicated that connections would be established “within minutes.”
- Supreme National Security Council – retains formal authority over nationwide cyber-policy.
- Administrative Court of Justice – issued a suspension of the cyberspace committee’s decree pending judicial review.
Timeline of the Shutdown and Restoration
- 8 Jan 2026 – Initial shutdown amid protests.
- 28 Feb 2026 – War begins; internet cut again.
- 26 May 2026 – Partial restoration reported (Day 88).
- 27 May 2026 – Court suspends the cyberspace committee’s decree.
Data on Connectivity and Traffic
- Duration: ? 2,093 hours (88 days).
- Kentik measured traffic at ? 39 % of pre-January levels; NetBlocks noted connectivity at roughly 35 % of typical volumes.
- Fixed broadband showed intermittent access; mobile internet remained “heavily filtered” and largely offline.
Economic and Social Impact
The shutdown crippled Iran’s tech sector, forced company closures, and caused daily losses estimated at $30–40 million USD. Small-business owners reported lost sales, while freelancers lost income streams. A Tehran interior designer disclosed selling valuables to pay staff, illustrating the broader economic strain.
Official Statements from the Government
- Aref posted: “The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken.”
- Pezeshkian’s administration framed the move as fulfilling the president’s promise to the people.
- Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said services could be restored “in the coming days.”
- Chitsaz announced that “within minutes the first connections to the international internet will be established.”
Opposition and Legal Challenges
Hard-line outlets such as Fars News argued that only the Supreme National Security Council could reverse the shutdown, questioning the president’s legal authority. The Administrative Court’s suspension reflects institutional resistance from conservative factions and the IRGC-aligned media.
On-the-Ground Experiences
A 22-year-old woman in Kermanshah reported opening international websites via home Wi-Fi. A Tehran content creator said, “The main point is, some of my income will come back.” Conversely, a businessman described the “class-based internet” system as “disturbing” and “unfair.”
Conflicting Reports and Uncertainties
State agencies IRNA and Fars claimed full restoration for fixed broadband, yet NetBlocks and independent witnesses noted that mobile access remained cut and overall traffic stayed far below pre-shutdown levels. The court’s injunction adds further uncertainty about the durability of the partial reconnection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken.” — Mohammad Reza Aref, First Vice President
- “We cannot say we are helping people while not trusting them and shutting down the internet,” — Mohammad Reza Aref, First Vice President
- “YouTube without a VPN!!! Oh my God, am I dreaming?” — Anonymous Iranian user (X)
- “We spent years of our lives and youth working, but they put everything back to square one,” — Online gardening shop, Tehran (X)
Outlook: Legal Review and Future Connectivity
The Administrative Court’s pending review will determine whether the Special Headquarters can resume its mandate. Government officials have pledged a “phased reopening” within 24 hours, but monitoring groups caution that sustained, unrestricted access remains uncertain amid ongoing political friction and the broader ceasefire negotiations.
