Iran Begins Phased Internet Return Under Brutal New Restrictions
After weeks of a brutal nationwide blackout, the regime is finally lifting the veil, only to reveal a permanent "Whitelist" model that shackles 92 million citizens to state-approved content.
Iran has initiated a phased restoration of internet services following a nationwide blackout that began on January 8, 2026, in response to widespread protests and a government crackdown.
The shutdown, one of the most extensive ever recorded, has affected an estimated 92 million citizens, limiting access to phone and text messaging as well.
Limited services, such as SMS, were restored nationwide around January 17 as part of a gradual rollback plan.
A brief restoration of limited internet access occurred on January 18, but it was suspended again shortly after.
On January 24, many users experienced a short-lived reconnection lasting about 30 minutes, attributed to technical issues delaying a fuller rollout.
International internet access remains largely unavailable, with only brief connectivity spikes reported, and some user are also able to access local messaging apps like Eita and Bale.
Government officials have indicated that full restoration depends on security conditions, with internal debates ongoing between factions concerned about resuming protests and those highlighting economic impacts.
Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that access to international websites may remain unavailable until the Iranian New Year in late March.
The regime is reportedly moving toward a "whitelist-based connectivity" model, where only approved sites and verified users can access international services, potentially making the shift more permanent.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has promised connectivity will return "soon," though no specific timeline has been provided.