Iran Restores Internet After 87-Day Blackout

Millions of Iranians are about to reconnect with the world after 87 days cut off from the global internet. President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an order Monday to restore international internet access, ending one of the longest digital blackouts in the country's recent history.

The announcement came through Iran's Communications Ministry, though specific details about timing and implementation remain unclear. For nearly three months, most citizens could only access a limited domestic intranet, with just a handful able to afford expensive VPN technology to reach the outside world.

The blackout began on February 28 following international military strikes, compounding an earlier disruption that started in January during nationwide protests. During this extended period, students attended online classes through the domestic intranet while families and businesses struggled without access to global communication tools and information.

The Ripple Effect

The restoration means Iranian families separated by borders can video call loved ones again. Students and researchers will regain access to global libraries and educational resources. Small business owners can reconnect with international customers and suppliers, potentially reviving economic opportunities that vanished during the blackout.

While Iran's internet will likely remain subject to government filtering and censorship as before, the return of any global connectivity represents a significant shift. NetBlocks, an internet monitoring organization, confirmed Monday that the 87-day period ranks among the longest sustained national internet disruptions ever recorded.

The decision reflects a practical recognition that modern life requires global digital connection. Even with a domestic intranet system in place, schools, hospitals, businesses and families have faced mounting challenges operating in digital isolation.

For millions who have spent three months in an information bubble, the coming reconnection offers a pathway back to participating in global conversations, accessing international news, and maintaining relationships across borders.