Iran Begins Restoring Internet After Historic Shutdown

Iranian authorities began restoring internet connectivity on March 25, 2025, after a near-total shutdown that had been in place since late February 2025. As of Wednesday, March 26, the restoration remained incomplete.

Scope of the Shutdown and Restoration

The shutdown began following the start of US-Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28, 2025.

Internet tracking company Netblocks reported Iran's connectivity at approximately 86% of pre-shutdown capacity, while internet analysis firm Kentik reported internet traffic at roughly 40% of pre-shutdown levels.

Applications such as YouTube and Instagram remain heavily restricted, a continuation of limitations that existed before the shutdown. The shutdown is among the longest and most comprehensive national internet blackouts on record, affecting Iran's population of approximately 90 million people.

Economic Impact

Economic consequences of the shutdown have been documented by multiple sources.

Afshin Kolahi of Iran's Chamber of Commerce estimated daily direct losses at $30-40 million, with indirect losses potentially reaching $80 million per day.

Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi stated that approximately 10 million people in Iran have jobs dependent on internet connectivity.

A resident of Tehran reported that service had been restored but remained weak, expressing hope that it would improve enough to use messaging apps. A gamer and tech influencer from Isfahan reported losing audience and income on YouTube and Instagram, adding that his internet connection remained slower than before the shutdown.

Public Sentiment and Food Prices

With partial internet access, social media users expressed anger over rising food prices.

Official data shows annual price increases of 308% for vegetable oil, 190% for chicken, and 170% for rice.
The International Monetary Fund reported food inflation at 140%–200% and overall inflation at 70%.

A survey published on March 26 indicated that only 9% of respondents support continuing internet restrictions.

Government Actions and Statements

President Masoud Pezeshkian, credited by some sources for lifting restrictions, attributed economic difficulties to US sanctions and described the situation as economic warfare.

Iran's Ministry of Intelligence stated that internet freedom could be exploited for "cognitive warfare" by adversaries seeking to incite protests.

The government announced the creation of a "resistance economy committee" to address price gouging and shortages. Hyperinflation persists, attributed to trade sanctions, exchange rate pressures, and subsidy reductions.

Reactions and Opinions

Government supporters circulated claims that Reza Pahlavi, son of the late shah, had endorsed US-Israeli attacks, reportedly aiming to reduce his support among returning internet users.

Human rights activist Emadeddin Baghi noted that voices of those affected by the conflict had been limited primarily to internal platforms.

Rapper Toomaj Salehi, previously sentenced to death and later released, stated that "internet access is a right, not a favor."