Iran Restores Global Internet Access After Historic 88-Day Blackout

Iran has begun restoring access to the global internet after an unprecedented 88-day nationwide blackout that disrupted communication, damaged businesses, and intensified concerns over civil freedoms and economic stability.

Internet connectivity slowly resumed across parts of the country on Tuesday, marking the end of what monitoring organizations described as the longest internet shutdown ever recorded for a nation. According to internet watchdog NetBlocks, Iran remained disconnected from the global internet for a total of 2,093 hours.

The gradual restoration came despite legal questions surrounding the authority of the “special headquarters for leading the country’s cyberspace,” the body responsible for overseeing the move. The task force was established recently by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had previously campaigned on promises of expanding internet freedom.

Reports indicated that access to services such as Gmail began returning first, while some residential internet networks and mobile providers in Tehran also started reconnecting. However, internet analysts said the restoration remained limited, with nationwide connectivity still far below normal levels.

Experts monitoring the situation described the reconnection as “selective,” noting that only certain providers and regions appeared to regain access initially. Iranian digital rights activists also cautioned that it may take time before the country fully reconnects to the global web.

The blackout, which initially began during economic and political protests earlier this year, was later intensified following regional tensions involving attacks by the United States and Israel. Iranian authorities defended the restrictions as necessary for national security, while critics argued the shutdown was used to suppress protests and conceal a broader crackdown on dissent.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over the situation inside Iran. Amnesty International recently warned about politically motivated executions and the increasing pressure faced by protesters, activists, and opposition figures.

The prolonged internet restrictions also had a severe economic impact. Officials acknowledged that online businesses and the digital economy suffered major losses during the shutdown. Estimates suggest that millions of jobs in Iran depend directly or indirectly on internet access, with small businesses, freelancers, and women working in rural areas among the hardest hit.

Business owners reported losing access to essential platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and Google services, severely affecting communication, sales, and customer engagement. Industry groups estimated that the blackout caused millions of dollars in losses every day.

Although social media platforms like Instagram, X, and YouTube remain officially blocked in Iran, many citizens continue accessing them through virtual private networks (VPNs). The restrictions have also contributed to the growth of underground markets selling anti-filtering and internet bypass tools.

Iran’s Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi described the restoration process as gradual, acknowledging the extensive economic and social damage caused by the shutdown. He warned that continued restrictions could weaken investment, increase emigration among skilled workers, and further strain the country’s already fragile economy.

The return of internet access is being closely watched both inside and outside Iran, as citizens hope for a full restoration of digital connectivity and greater online freedom in the months ahead.