Internet Slowly Restored In Iran After Three-Week Blackout, No Social Media

Internet access is gradually returning for some Iranian users after nearly three weeks of a near-total communications shutdown imposed during the regime’s violent suppression of nationwide protests. Even satellite alternatives such as Starlink were available only in very limited locations and for short, unreliable windows, leaving much of the country effectively cut off from the outside world.

State-affiliated media outlets Mehr and Fars reported Sunday that Google services were once again accessible on certain mobile networks, along with a handful of domestic websites. Connectivity, however, remains inconsistent, and broad access to social media platforms and encrypted messaging services is still largely restricted.

Other reports indicated Saturday night that internet access was restored only to people heavily vetted by Iranian authorities.

Earlier Sunday, an official Iranian official admitted to Reuters that at least 5,000 people were killed during the unrest, as demonstrations appear to be weakening under sustained and brutal force by the regime. Doctors who spoke with the Sunday Times on Saturday said that the death toll is over 16,000.