Iranian President Orders Internet Access Restoration

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the restoration of internet services to pre-January protest levels, according to Mehr News Agency. National protests engulfed Iran at the end of December 2025 and escalated early this year following a sharp depreciation of the rial against the US dollar amid growing economic pressure. Iranian authorities imposed widespread internet restrictions and temporary nationwide blackouts during the unrest to limit communication and the spread of protest-related content. Iranian officials stated 3,117 people died in the demonstrations, while some human rights organisations estimate the death toll at 7,000. The Iranian authorities acknowledged public discontent but accused the United States and Israel of attempting to exploit the unrest through sanctions and pressure to incite instability, thereby justifying foreign intervention and regime change.