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

Iran’s leadership has announced that the country will lift its prolonged blockade 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 Uncertain Path Forward

• No concrete plan: Officials said they will decide how and when the links are re‑established, but no timeline has been set.
• 87 days offline: According to NetBlocks, Iran’s users have been deprived of the global network for 87 days.
• VPNs as a lifeline: Only a handful of people can still reach external sites through costly, sophisticated virtual private networks that bypass the restrictions.

Implications of the New Directive

• Policy shift: By re‑opening international access, the government may be attempting to ease pressure from both domestic and international audiences.
• Security vs. connectivity: The move raises questions about how the country will balance security concerns with the desire for broader connectivity.