Iranian authorities partially restored global internet access on May 26 [4] after a near-total blackout that lasted 88 days [1].
The restoration marks the end of one of the longest internet shutdowns ever recorded. The blackout disrupted essential communications and commerce during a period of active conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel.
Users began reconnecting to social media and messaging platforms on May 26 and 27. Kian Galvani, an engineering student, described the moment of reconnection. "I've never been so happy in my life to see Telegram notifications," Galvani said.
Despite the return of some services, the recovery remains incomplete. A spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of ICT said that traffic remains under 50% of pre-shutdown levels [3].
The economic toll of the blackout was significant. Reports indicate that thousands of people were fired due to the prolonged lack of connectivity [2].
Government officials under President Masoud Pezeshkian imposed the restrictions as part of a broader security strategy during the war. However, technology analysts suggest the situation remains unstable. One analyst said it is too early to say that the longest shutdown the country has ever recorded is over.
While some reports describe the event as the world's longest internet shutdown, others characterize it as one of the longest. The discrepancy highlights the difficulty of tracking connectivity in a region where the government tightly controls the infrastructure.
“"I've never been so happy in my life to see Telegram notifications."”
The partial restoration of the internet in Iran suggests a shift in the government's immediate security posture, but the low traffic levels indicate that the state maintains significant control over the flow of information. By throttling connectivity to half of its former capacity, the administration can monitor activity more effectively while preventing the full resumption of digital economic activities and uncontrolled social mobilization.
