Image source, Anadolu via Getty ImagesByFarshad BayanBBC PersianPublished28 January 2026 Nearly three weeks into one of the most extreme internet shutdowns in history, some of Iran's 92 million citizens are beginning to get back online – but access appears to be tightly controlled. The country cut off internet access on 8 January, in what is widely seen as an attempt to stem the flow of information about a government crackdown on protesters. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the internet was blocked in response to what he described as "terrorist operations". Now there is evidence that some internet access has returned – but independent analysis indicates much of the country is still effectively cut off from the outside world. Iran's reformist Shargh newspaper has reported that some officials had claimed mobile internet had been restored. However, it said many users still do not have full access and can only connect intermittently and for very limited periods, often after repeated attempts.
Published: January 28, 2026 5:54 pm
Source: BBC — Read original