The news comes after nearly two weeks of crippling nationwide communications restrictions that coincided with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.

The internet shutdown was first imposed on January 8, as widespread demonstrations spreading from Tehran to provincial cities challenged state authority. Connectivity fell to near-zero levels, cutting Iranians off from global platforms and external scrutiny, while authorities mobilised security forces to suppress dissent.

For days, nearly all voice and data services were blocked, isolating families and businesses and throttling online-dependent sectors. Rights groups have reported that limited connectivity returns have been intermittent and heavily filtered, with only certain domestic services and tightly controlled platforms briefly accessible.

Officials this week publicly acknowledged the disruption and said restoration is imminent. Iran’s vice-president for science and technology indicated that internet access could resume “to a normal state” by the end of the week, although exactly what that means and whether unfettered access to international platforms will be allowed, remains unclear.

The gradual rollback comes amid broader political turmoil. Multiple rights groups have documented thousands of deaths and injuries linked to the protests, as well as mass arrests, though accurate casualty figures have been hard to verify during the communications blackout.

Despite official promises, conflicting statements from government figures underscore the uncertainty. Some authorities suggest foreign platforms will remain blocked and that priority will be given to reconnecting registered businesses, while others speak of a full restoration once “security conditions” are met.

The blackout has amplified economic strain on Iranian households and small enterprises that rely on social media for commerce, adding to wider pressures from a sharp currency slump and persistent inflation.

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