Tehran, January 18, 2026: Iranian authorities announced that they are considering “gradually” restoring internet access after a nationwide communications blackout that began 10 days ago, following widespread protests that challenged the country’s leadership.
The demonstrations, sparked in late December over economic hardship, grew into the largest protests in Iran in years. While Iranian officials initially described the rallies as peaceful, they later labeled them “riots” and accused foreign influence, particularly from the United States and Israel.
The unrest has largely subsided after a security crackdown, during which internet and mobile services were severely restricted. Schools reopened on Sunday, marking the first day of Iran’s weekend following a week-long closure.
According to the Tasnim news agency, authorities plan to gradually restore internet access, though no detailed timeline was provided. Local messaging applications are expected to resume operation on Iran’s domestic intranet. AFP reported that internet access was partially restored in its Tehran office on Sunday morning, but most mobile and home internet services remain cut. Outgoing international calls resumed Tuesday, and text messaging returned Saturday morning.
During the shutdown, Iran relied heavily on its domestic intranet, which continued to support local media, ride-hailing services, delivery platforms, and banking operations.
The scale of the crackdown has drawn international attention. Norway-based rights group Iran Human Rights (IHR) reports 3,428 verified deaths of protesters, though this figure has not been independently confirmed. Iranian officials have not provided an official death toll. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that “a few thousand” people had been killed by what he described as agents of the United States and Israel. Local media also reported casualties among security forces.
Authorities have arrested thousands of protesters, with rights groups estimating up to 20,000 detentions. Khamenei warned that the state must “break the back of the seditionists,” underscoring the government’s continued stance against opposition activities.
The partial restoration of internet services marks a cautious step by Iranian authorities as nationwide protests ease, though restrictions remain in place and the situation remains closely monitored.
