On May 25, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the restoration of internet services in Iran, effectively ending an 87-day blackout that had been in place since the start of the Iran war three months ago. This move is seen as a significant development in the country, which has been under intense scrutiny from the international community, particularly from the United States and its allies. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has been vocal about the need for Iran to respect the rights of its citizens, including access to information and communication.
International Response
The U.S. Department of State welcomed the restoration of internet services in Iran, with a spokesperson stating that this was a positive step towards promoting freedom of expression and access to information. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also commented on the development, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Iran. The AUKUS alliance, comprising Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has been closely monitoring the situation in Iran, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressing concern about the impact of the internet blackout on the Iranian people.
As the head of government and second-highest ranking official in Iran, President Pezeshkian’s decision to restore internet services is seen as a significant concession to international pressure. The Quad grouping, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, has been working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and has expressed concerns about Iran’s human rights record. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the need for Iran to respect the rights of its citizens, including access to information and communication. With the restoration of internet services, Iran is taking a step towards addressing these concerns, although much work remains to be done.
The Iranian presidency is a powerful institution, with the president serving as the head of state and chairperson of the cabinet. However, the president must also perform their functions in conformity with the directives of the supreme leader, who is the highest political and religious authority in the country. In this context, President Pezeshkian’s decision to restore internet services may be seen as a reflection of the supreme leader’s willingness to engage with the international community. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has stated that the United States is willing to engage with Iran on a range of issues, including human rights and nuclear non-proliferation.
The restoration of internet services in Iran is a significant development, but it is only one step towards addressing the country’s human rights record. The U.S. Congress has been critical of Iran’s human rights abuses, with Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, calling for greater accountability and transparency. The European Union has also expressed concerns about Iran’s human rights record, with EU High Representative Josep Borrell stating that the EU is committed to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Iran. As the international community continues to monitor the situation in Iran, it is clear that much work remains to be done to promote human rights and democracy in the country.
With the internet restored, Iranians will once again have access to a wide range of information and communication services, including social media and news websites. This will enable them to connect with the outside world and access information that was previously unavailable to them. The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which includes Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, has been providing news and information to Iranians throughout the internet blackout, and will continue to do so now that the internet has been restored. As the situation in Iran continues to evolve, it is clear that the international community will be watching closely to see how the country develops in the coming months and years.
