Iran Restores Limited Internet Access After 88-Day Shutdown

Iran partially restored internet access this week after an 88-day nationwide shutdown that began following the killing of Ali Khamenei and the start of conflict involving the United States and Israel. State media described the step as the "return of the internet," but data and user reports show connectivity remains limited.

Internet traffic in Iran has risen only marginally since the blackout began and remains far below pre-January levels, according to charts published by Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik. Current connectivity has not exceeded 39 percent of normal levels.

Users across multiple cities report that major applications remain unstable even with VPNs. Telegram frequently stays in updating mode, messages are delayed, and Google Play is inaccessible for many Android users, preventing app updates and security patches.

NetBlocks estimated direct economic losses from the 88-day shutdown at approximately $3.287 billion. Indirect losses were estimated by Afshin Kolahi, head of the Knowledge-Based Economy Commission at Iran's Chamber of Commerce, at between $6.16 billion and $7.04 billion.

These figures exceed Iran's entire rural water supply budget for the Iranian year 1405, which was reported at about 25 trillion tomans.

Many residents described the current situation as a "half-dead internet" and expressed anger rather than relief. Government institutions and state-affiliated outlets retained stable access throughout the blackout while ordinary users did not. No official timeline has been provided for full restoration or clarification of remaining restrictions.