• Source:JND

Internet services have begun returning in Iran nearly three months after authorities imposed a nationwide shutdown, with the country’s first vice-president announcing the move as the beginning of restored online access.

“The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken,” Mohammad Reza Aref said in a post on X on Tuesday.

Internet monitoring organisations NetBlocks and Kentik confirmed that connectivity had partially resumed around 13:00 GMT, although Kentik noted that a majority of networks across Iran remained offline.

Why did Iran shut down internet services?

Iran had imposed the internet blackout following the launch of US and Israeli attacks on February 28. Officials said the restrictions were introduced to counter surveillance threats, espionage activities, and cyber-attacks during heightened tensions.

The shutdown has become one of the longest nationwide internet blackouts recorded globally.

Despite the restoration efforts, NetBlocks cautioned that it was still “unclear” whether internet access would remain stable.

Before this prolonged blackout, Iranians had regained unrestricted internet access for only about a month after a previous shutdown imposed during January’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests.

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Iran accuses US of violating ceasefire

Separately, Iran accused the United States of breaching a ceasefire after American forces carried out what Washington described as defensive strikes in southern Iran.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks aimed at securing a broader agreement to end the conflict could “take a few days”.

Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US strikes in Hormozgan province, where Iranian media reported explosions early Tuesday, calling them a “gross violation” of the fragile ceasefire that has held for nearly seven weeks.

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The Middle East conflict started following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability since February 28.


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