Iran starts reconnecting to global internet after nearly three months offline
Iranian authorities have begun partially restoring internet access after an 88-day nationwide shutdown that severely restricted communication, online business activity, and access to foreign platforms.
Iran has started restoring access to the global internet following an 88-day nationwide blackout, one of the longest large-scale internet shutdowns recorded in a country previously connected to the global network.
According to monitoring group NetBlocks, connectivity began returning after 2,093 hours of disruption, though access remained partial and uneven across the country.
Reports indicated that some fixed-line services resumed first, while mobile and residential internet access was restored more gradually.
The shutdown began earlier in the year during political unrest and later expanded amid wartime tensions and cyberattacks targeting Iranian infrastructure. Authorities defended the restrictions as necessary for national security and protection of critical systems.
The reopening reportedly followed a decision by a cyberspace management task force established under President Masoud Pezeshkian. Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi said officials supported easing restrictions because of the growing economic impact of the blackout.
Internet access became a major economic issue during the shutdown. Businesses relying on online communications, digital payments, foreign platforms, and cross-border trade reported major operational losses, while concerns also grew over investment and emigration of skilled workers.
The restoration effort now faces institutional uncertainty. Iranian media reported that an administrative court temporarily suspended the order establishing the body overseeing reconnection efforts, while some figures linked to security institutions opposed restoring wider access.
