Iranian President Orders End to 87-Day Internet Blackout
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the reopening of international internet access after an 87-day blackout, state media reported on Monday. The decree, aimed at restoring internet to its pre-January state, was communicated to the Ministry of Communications, according to Tasnim and Fars news agencies. The mechanism for reconnection remains unknown. The blackout began January 8 amid anti-government protests, with a brief restoration in February before a new shutdown on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes. Most Iranians have been unable to access the global web, with only a few using expensive VPNs, per NetBlocks. Iran's internet is normally heavily censored, with authorities increasingly relying on a domestic intranet for services like online schooling.
Key facts
- President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered reopening of international internet access.
- The decree was reported by Iranian state media on Monday.
- Internet blackout lasted 87 days as of Monday, per NetBlocks.
- Blackout began January 8 during anti-government protests.
- Connections briefly restored in February.
- New blackout started February 28 after US and Israeli strikes.
- Most Iranians lack access; few use expensive VPNs.
- Iran normally censors internet and uses a domestic intranet for services.
Entities
Institutions
- Iran's Communications Ministry
- Tasnim
- Fars
- NetBlocks
Locations
- Iran
- United States
- Israel