Iran Restores International Internet Access After 28 February Blackout, Sparking Anger Over Food Inflation

Iran began restoring international internet access after a near-total shutdown that began on 28 February, with the partial lifting described as enough to spark anger over food price inflation and shortages.

“ISTANBUL, May 27 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Iran has restored international internet access following months of restrictions imposed after nationwide protests in January and later intensified during the war with the US and Israel, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency on Tuesday”

Bernama

The Guardian reported that ordinary Iranians decried annual price increases of 308% for vegetable oil, 190% for chicken, and 170% for rice, while connectivity remained patchy on Wednesday with mobile internet still largely disconnected and many sites restricted.

Bernama

In a social media post carried by the Guardian, one user wrote, "Everything is so expensive. It has become a disaster," as another said, "You leave the market with a broken heart after spending all your savings."

President Masoud Pezeshkian, who received some credit for lifting restrictions, blamed the US for Iran’s economic woes, saying Washington "had moved to economic warfare after failing to bring the government down".

First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said on Tuesday that "the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken" as Iran moved to restore international connectivity after the 88-day blackout.

The New Region reported that Iran’s judiciary temporarily suspended the presidential body tasked with managing the country’s internet, citing complaints seeking the "annulment of the executive regulations" establishing the body.

Lebanon Debate

The judiciary said the Administrative Court of Justice issued a temporary order suspending implementation after complaints were filed, stressing that when complaints seek annulment of executive regulations, it may issue a temporary order before reviewing the complaint.

In parallel, the intelligence ministry statement described concerns that internet freedom could be used for "cognitive warfare," warning that Iran’s adversaries aimed to "incite protesters and drag them on to the streets."

TechRadar said Iran’s internet restoration was underway after an 88-day shutdown, but it warned that national traffic remained under 50% of normal levels as of Wednesday and quoted Amir Rashidi saying, "the internet is not connected."

“Download the mobile app Around the clock Please enter your phone number to continue, and we will send you a verification code via SMS to confirm your participation Enter the verification code sent to your phone WhatsApp Follow: Lebanon Debate News Amid the escalation and crises”

Lebanon Debate

TechRadar reported that Amir Rashidi, Director of Internet Security and Digital Rights at the Miaan Group, wrote on X that "The disruption volume on the network is very high," while Doug Madory of Kentik said traffic topped out at around 41% of normal levels.

Bernama-Anadolu, citing Tasnim, said users once again have access to international websites and that fixed broadband services including FTTH, VDSL and ADSL, as well as mobile internet services, are available without restrictions.

In the Guardian, rapper Toomaj Salehi said being connected to the internet was "not a favour to us – it is our right. And without filters as well," while human rights activist Emadeddin Baghi wrote, "Three bloody months have passed, but not for those who lost a loved one or had their home destroyed."