Iran Reopens Internet Access After 90-Day Blackout

Iranian citizens isolated by the government’s prolonged internet shutdown amid tensions with the US and Israel expressed relief at regaining access but detailed significant losses. ‘Finally, after so long, I can access apps and work,’ said Amirarsalan Hoshang, adding that they may have ‘regressed 10 years’ in the past four months. Video game console seller Sina Beigi reported a sharp decline in online orders and wasted investments in his website, social media, advertising, and SEO after customers grew accustomed to online shopping. According to Reuters, President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the restoration of international internet access, as reported by Iranian state media on Monday, citing an official after nearly 90 days of blackout. However, the mechanism and timeline for reconnecting to the global internet remain unclear. Authorities initially imposed the shutdown on 8 January to quell nationwide anti-government protests, according to human rights groups. Connectivity was gradually restored in February before a new blackout began following US and Israeli attacks on 28 February.