Iranians expressed joy as social media came back after a near-90-day internet shutdown imposed during the war with the U.S. and Israel.
“I’ve never been so happy to see Telegram notifications,” said engineering student Kian Galvani.
President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the reopening of international internet access, state media reported. Analysts cite economic impact as a key driver.
However, experts warn the blackout could be reimposed if protests resume.
The shutdown began January 8 during anti-government demonstrations, was partially restored in February, but tightened again after U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
“The longest internet blackout in history has ended, greetings after 88 days,” posted editor Alireza Jafarzadeh.
Minister Seyyed Sattar Hashemi said Iranians deserve free communication and a dynamic economy.
The blackout hit businesses hard. Many who ran shops via Instagram or Telegram lost everything, said computer programmer Keyumars.
NetBlocks director Alp Toker warned restoration could take weeks in some provinces.
Iranians remain cautious. “We are far from the world-class internet we deserve,” posted citizen Alireza Naji.
