A months-long blackout

Iran's internet access has been severely restricted since early January 2026 during anti-government protests, and was completely cut off on 28 February when the United States and Israel launched military attacks on the country. The government blocked all international internet, leaving 90 million Iranians with only a state-controlled national intranet. This 88-day shutdown has been the longest national internet blackout ever recorded, surpassing previous records.

The presidential order

After weeks of pressure from businesses and the public, President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had campaigned on a promise of internet freedom, ordered the restoration of international access to its pre-January levels. The decision followed a vote on 25 May by the Special Taskforce for Cyberspace Management, with nine members in favor and three against. Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi confirmed that the process had begun, though he cautioned it would be gradual. On 26 May, partial restoration was observed by internet monitors, including access to Gmail.

“The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken.”

Political and judicial pushback

The move immediately sparked a power struggle within Iran's establishment. IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency initially questioned whether the president had the authority to reverse restrictions imposed by the Supreme National Security Council. Hours later, Fars published an editorial describing the reopening as a necessary "technical and security" decision. However, on 26 May, Iran's judiciary suspended the Special Headquarters for Organizing Cyberspace — the body created by Pezeshkian on 12 May that had ordered the restoration — following unspecified complaints. This left the future of internet access uncertain.

“Internet restrictions in recent months have caused significant damage to the digital economy, online businesses, and the country's service industries. The continuation of this situation could, in addition to the economic damage, have led to the weakening of investment, the emigration of elite human resources, and the expansion of communication patterns outside the framework of the country's official governance.”

Economic and social devastation

The blackout has wreaked havoc on Iran's digital economy. Local businesses faced estimated daily losses between $30 million and $40 million, with total direct losses over 60 days reaching approximately $4 billion. Around 5 million jobs are dependent on internet connectivity, and 1 million online traders saw their incomes collapse. A report by the reformist daily Shargh warned that the shutdown had paralyzed an entire generation of digital workers and hindered young entrepreneurs from using artificial intelligence tools. Even before the blackout, Iran's internet was heavily censored, but the complete cutoff left most Iranians reliant on expensive VPNs or the state's tiered "Pro Internet" system.

“The internet, which was supposed to become the launching pad for a new generation of entrepreneurs, has now turned into the biggest obstacle to establishing, growing, and developing a new business.”

Rights abuses and future uncertainty

The internet shutdown coincided with a violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Amnesty International reported that authorities have arbitrarily executed at least 36 individuals on politically motivated charges, with 78 more facing death sentences. The blackout has been widely seen as an attempt to hide the scale of repression and war damage from the world. While some officials indicate that restrictions could be fully lifted by early June, the judiciary's intervention casts doubt on the timeline. As of 26 May, most international platforms remain inaccessible, and the political conflict between the reformist-leaning administration and security hardliners continues to unfold.

“they have arbitrarily executed at least 36 individuals sentenced to death after being convicted of politically motivated charges. At least 78 protesters, dissidents and others with real or perceived links to banned opposition groups are under sentence of death and at risk of execution.”