Internet access is slowly coming back online in Iran after a blackout that stretched for months. The restoration began this week, according to reports from inside the country, though full connectivity has not yet returned.
Scope of the shutdown
The blackout was one of the longest in Iran's history, cutting off most of the population from the global internet for weeks on end. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and even basic web browsing were blocked or severely throttled during the outage. The disruption affected businesses, schools, and daily communication for millions of people.
What's being restored first
Initial reports indicate that fixed-line broadband connections are being re-enabled in major cities, while mobile internet access remains patchy. Some users have reported being able to access previously blocked services like Instagram and WhatsApp, but the government has not issued an official statement on the timeline or conditions of the restoration.
The blackout was imposed amid political unrest, though authorities have not publicly confirmed the reason for the prolonged shutdown. International watchdog groups had condemned the move as a severe restriction on freedom of information.
For now, Iranians are cautiously testing their connections, unsure if the reopening will last or if restrictions will return. The government has not said when or whether full, unrestricted access will be restored.
