Iranian authorities have indicated that international internet access for businesses might be restored within days, following an 18-day nationwide blackout imposed during widespread anti-government protests. Hossein Rafieian, a senior digital economy official, stated through the Mehr news agency that corporate internet connectivity could return within “the next day or two,” though he acknowledged the final decision rests beyond his direct authority.
The internet shutdown, which monitoring group Netblocks confirms has persisted for over two weeks, has drawn international condemnation as rights organizations report it has enabled a violent crackdown on demonstrators. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the confirmed death toll has reached 5,848 individuals, including 209 security personnel, with an additional 17,091 potential fatalities under investigation. The organization estimates at least 41,283 arrests have occurred.
Iranian officials provided their first official casualty figures last week, claiming 3,117 deaths—mostly security forces and civilians allegedly killed by protesters described as “rioters.” The protests initially emerged in late December over economic concerns but rapidly evolved into a broad movement challenging the Islamic Republic’s leadership, culminating in massive demonstrations beginning January 8.
The economic impact of the digital blackout remains contested. Iran’s deputy telecommunications minister estimated daily losses between $3-4 million, while NetBlocks calculated a significantly higher economic damage exceeding $37 million daily. The internet monitor also noted authorities were intensifying filtering measures to limit circumvention while promoting state-approved narratives through whitelisted accounts.