Iran moves to restore internet access after 87-day shutdown

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of internet services across the country, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, which cited a source from the Ministry of Communications. Iranian authorities had enforced an almost complete nationwide internet shutdown for more than 87 days. The blackout severely limited access to information for civilians during Israeli and US military strikes on Iran, while also inflicting major losses on businesses dependent on online connectivity. Meanwhile, Pezeshkian has said Iran will not bow to pressure or what he described as excessive demands from the United States, stressing that Iranian negotiators are working through diplomatic channels to secure the country’s full rights. Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce on Monday, he said Iran’s adversaries had shifted their focus to economic pressure after failing to achieve their objectives militarily. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will never surrender to excessive pressure and demands under any circumstances,” he said. He said that the US and Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran on February 28 through attacks that killed the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials. According to Pezeshkian, Iranian armed forces responded with 100 waves of retaliatory strikes over 40 days, targeting American and Israeli military positions and causing extensive damage. Iran’s top negotiators reach Qatar for key talks on finalising MoU