TEHRAN, Iran — Internet access has started returning across Iran after a nationwide shutdown that lasted nearly three months, marking one of the longest internet blackouts ever recorded globally.
The country’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref announced the development on Tuesday, saying authorities had taken the “first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace.”
Partial Internet Restoration Reported
Global internet monitoring organisations reported signs of partial restoration beginning around 13:00 GMT.
While connectivity has resumed in some regions, internet tracking groups cautioned that most networks remained disrupted and services had not fully returned to pre-blackout levels.
Researchers also warned that access across the country remained uneven, with indications of tighter digital restrictions compared to earlier periods before the shutdown.
According to monitoring experts, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp appear to face additional filtering measures even after the restoration process began.
Blackout Followed Regional Conflict
Iran imposed the nationwide internet shutdown following the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and Israel on February 28.
Iranian authorities at the time defended the move as a national security measure aimed at preventing surveillance, espionage, and cyber-attacks during the military escalation.
The blackout severely disrupted communication, online business operations, banking services, and access to international platforms.
Some Iranians reportedly relied on expensive virtual private networks and smuggled satellite internet technology to bypass restrictions during the shutdown period.
Citizens Welcome Return of Connectivity
Residents in different parts of the country reported regaining limited internet access through home WiFi connections.
A Tehran-based content creator told international media that the restoration would help revive part of his income after months of digital disruption.
Others, however, said connectivity remained unstable and heavily restricted.
Internet monitoring experts warned that Iran has historically restored connectivity gradually after shutdowns while maintaining stricter censorship and surveillance controls.
Criticism Over “Internet Pro” System
After a ceasefire agreement was reached on April 8, Iranian authorities introduced a premium internet access scheme known as “internet pro.”
The system reportedly offered businesses and professionals faster connectivity for a fee and required identity verification.
The initiative triggered backlash from activists and ordinary citizens, who criticised it as creating unequal internet access and expanding state monitoring capabilities.
Some government officials later described the programme as temporary and denied it represented official long-term policy.
Tensions Remain High
The internet restoration comes amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States following recent US strikes that Tehran described as a “gross violation” of the ceasefire.
Washington said the strikes targeted Iranian missile installations and boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines in southern Iran.
The developments highlight continuing geopolitical instability in the region, even as Iranian authorities begin restoring digital connectivity after months of isolation.
