Iran Orders Reopening of International Internet After 87-Day Blackout

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered the reopening of international internet access across the country after nearly three months of severe online restrictions that left millions of Iranians cut off from the global web.

According to Iranian state media, the directive came following growing domestic pressure over the economic and social impact of the prolonged blackout, which began earlier this year amid anti-government protests and escalating regional tensions involving the United States and Israel.

The shutdown reportedly lasted about 87 to 90 days, with internet monitoring group NetBlocks describing it as one of the country’s most extensive digital restrictions in recent years. During the blackout, most citizens were unable to access international websites and social media platforms unless they used expensive virtual private networks (VPNs).

Iran first imposed sweeping internet restrictions in January following nationwide unrest. Authorities later tightened controls again in February after military tensions involving the U.S. and Israel intensified.

State-linked media outlets reported that President Pezeshkian approved the restoration plan during a high-level meeting involving Iran’s cyber and communications authorities. However, officials have not yet clarified when full access will be restored nationwide or whether restrictions on platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram will remain in place.

The blackout severely disrupted businesses, online education, banking operations, and digital communication inside Iran. Analysts say many small businesses that relied on social media and internet-based services suffered major financial losses during the shutdown.

Despite the latest order, observers note that Iran still maintains one of the world’s most tightly controlled internet systems, with widespread censorship and heavy monitoring of online activity.

The government has yet to provide a detailed timeline for reconnecting the country fully to the international internet.