Reopening Iran’s Web: A New Chapter After 87 Days Offline

Iran’s leader has announced that the country will lift its long‑lasting block on global internet connections, a decision reported by state media. The order follows an almost three‑month stretch during which most Iranians could not reach the wider web, a period that began after protests sparked a nationwide shutdown on January 8. Connections were partially restored in February, only to be cut again when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of that month. The exact plan for reconnecting to international servers remains unclear. Officials said they will decide how and when the links are re‑established, but no timeline has been set. According to NetBlocks, a monitoring group that tracks internet access worldwide, Iran’s users have been deprived of the global network for 87 days. Only a handful of people can still reach external sites through costly, sophisticated virtual private networks that bypass the restrictions.Under normal conditions, Iranian authorities heavily censor many foreign websites. They rely on a national intranet that keeps schools and other services online without needing the global internet. This internal network has become crucial for delivering remote education during periods of isolation. The new directive signals a shift in policy. By re‑opening international access, the government may be attempting to ease pressure from both domestic and international audiences. It also raises questions about how the country will balance security concerns with the desire for broader connectivity.