Iran’s president orders reopening of international internet access – state media
Pezeshkian said to instruct end to nearly 90-day blackout, though mechanism for how and when country would reconnect to global web unknown
by Reuters and ToI Staff · The Times of IsraelIran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to reopen international internet access, Iranian state media reported on Monday, citing an official, after a near-90-day blackout amid the war against US and Israel.
The report cited the head of public relations at Iran’s Communications Ministry.
The mechanism for how and when Iran would reconnect to the global web following the decision was unknown.
Most Iranians have been unable to access the World Wide Web for 87 days, according to the internet observatory NetBlocks on Monday, with only a few citizens having access to expensive and advanced VPNs that circumvent the restrictions.
Authorities initially imposed an internet blackout from January 8 in response to nationwide anti-government protests, immediately before a deadly crackdown in which thousands, or tens of thousands, were reportedly killed. Connections were gradually getting back to normal in February, before a new blackout was initiated following the start of US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.
The internet disruptions hit a wide range of sectors beyond the digital economy and weighed on the labor market, threatening incomes and jobs for many workers, particularly freelancers and small businesses reliant on online activity.
In normal times, access to the global internet remains heavily restricted via censorship of many websites, while authorities are increasingly relying on an intranet to provide connected services without relying on the web, notably for schools that are currently following an online curriculum.
Israel and the US launched their campaign against Iran in a bid to destabilize the regime and destroy its nuclear and ballistic missile capacities. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes across the region, including at Israel.
A ceasefire began on April 8 while the US and Iran hold mediated talks to reach a more permanent truce. The reported lifting of internet restrictions came amid speculation that the two sides were closing in on a deal.