Iran begins partial restoration of national internet connectivity

🔑 Enhanced Key Takeaways

• •The 88-day near-total internet blackout, which saw partial restoration on May 26, 2026, was primarily a response to the US-Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28, 2026, and followed earlier restrictions due to nationwide protests in January 2026.
• •This specific internet shutdown, which reduced connectivity to as low as 1-2% of normal levels, is recorded as the longest nationwide internet disruption in history, lasting over 2,093 hours.
• •The blackout inflicted severe economic damage, with estimated direct and indirect losses ranging from $30-80 million per day, leading to thousands of job losses and an 80% decline in online sales.
• •During the shutdown, Iran implemented a 'tiered access' model or 'Internet Pro' system, providing limited and controlled internet access to 'favored groups' such as approved content creators, journalists, and government officials, often through 'white SIM cards' or paid packages with usage limits.
• •The restoration order was issued by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had campaigned on a promise of free internet, but the judiciary subsequently suspended the presidential body responsible for the order, indicating ongoing internal power struggles over internet control.

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