Iran Begins Restoring Internet After 88-Day Shutdown

On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to impose a nationwide internet shutdown. NetBlocks recorded the outage lasted 88 days, “the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history.” The government justified the measure on national-security grounds, while activists argued it was intended to suppress communication during the conflict.

New York Times

Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, announced the partial restoration on social media, framing it as “the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace.” A government spokeswoman said a special working group, formed by President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier in May, voted on Monday to unblock internet access. However, the judiciary-affiliated outlet Mizan reported that an Iranian court received undisclosed complaints and temporarily suspended the working group’s decisions, noting the rulings remain unenforceable until a final judgment. Cybersecurity expert Amir Rashidi of the digital-rights group Miaan observed a rise in traffic from both fixed and mobile lines but cautioned that “it is still too early to say exactly what will happen.” Rashidi added that the ultimate outcome may hinge on negotiations to end the war between Iran and the United States.

New York Times

Human-rights activists contend the shutdown crippled Iran’s tech sector, forcing companies to close and lay off staff, and deprived online merchants of income for more than three months. They view the prolonged blackout as a tool for governmental control rather than a legitimate security response.

New York Times

• “In line with the esteemed president’s mission and in fulfillment of the government’s promise, the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken,” — Mohammad Reza Aref, First Vice President

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• “What we are seeing now is an increase in traffic from Iran,” — Amir Rashidi, Cybersecurity Expert, Miaan

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• “Some providers have come back online, but it is still too early to say exactly what will happen.” — Amir Rashidi

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• “Its decisions were unenforceable until a final ruling, Mizan reported.” — Mizan (judiciary-affiliated outlet)

New York Times