US EditionIran plans permanent break from global internet: Report
Iran restored SMS after an eight-day blackout and plans phased internet access return amid protests and security stabilization, with connectivity still at about 2%, NetBlocks said.
- On Jan. 8, 2026, the Iranian regime imposed a nationwide internet shutdown at 8 p.m. IST, and Fars news agency reported a phased restoration starting with SMS, then national internet and domestic apps, followed by international access.
- Protests that began Dec. 30, 2025 escalated into violence by Jan. 8, 2026, and Iranian security officials said detaining key figures restored control while limiting internet weakened opposition networks abroad.
- Connectivity measurements indicate only about 3% responsiveness and roughly 2% of normal traffic, with observers reporting interference with Transport Layer Security and Domain Name System alongside whitelisting policy, plus active measures against Starlink satellite service and intermittent landline phone services.
- This past week, human-rights groups reported 2,055 injured, 22,123 detained, and a web of impunity enabled rights abuses, while information flow remains severely restricted.
- Observers caution that emerging satellite fixes face logistical and interference limits, as Starlink direct-to-cell capability could ease access but logistical constraints and jamming risks persist.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Iran has begun easing sweeping communications restrictions imposed after deadly anti-government protests that rocked the country for more than two weeks. Authorities have restored short message service (SMS) across the country as part of a phased plan after eight days of near-total internet shutdowns. The decision came after what it described as a stabilization of the security situation. Authorities said the internet shutdown had “significantly …
Iran has been almost completely offline for more than a week. The government now allows text messages to be sent in the country. At least online banking becomes possible again.
Svenska Dagbladet
hbl.fiIranians can now send text messages, state-run Iranian media reports. But it only works within the country – and internet access remains restricted. According to reports, the regime plans to make the blockade permanent.
Internet connectivity in Iran has improved very slightly, monitoring group NetBlocks said on Saturday, sharing the information more than 200 hours after the internet was shut down nationwide during anti-government protests.
After 200 hours offline, Iran restores limited internet access amid crackdown
Internet access has partially returned in Iran, though monitoring group NetBlocks says connectivity stands at just 2% as protests fade and authorities report thousands killed and arrested
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