Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Iran Restores Limited Internet After Protest Blackout
Iran has slowly started bringing back the internet after a big shutdown that happened during protests.
The protests started because people were upset about money problems and jobs.
The government wanted to stop people from talking to each other during the protests, so they shut down the internet.
The boss of a big phone company, Irancell, was fired because he didn't follow the government's orders to block the internet.
Now, some internet is back, but not all.
There have been a lot of protests, and some people have been hurt or killed.
The government says they will slowly let the internet come back, but it's not clear when it will be fully working again.
Some people even hacked the government's TV to show messages about the protests.
Iran has gradually restored limited internet access after a nationwide blackout that began on January 8, 2023.
Protests over economic hardships and unemployment have led to a government crackdown, with reports of thousands killed and injured.
Irancell CEO Alireza Rafiei was dismissed for failing to comply with government orders to block internet access during the protests.
State TV was briefly hijacked by anti-regime activists, airing protest messages and a video by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
Iranian doctors report a death toll of 16,500, mostly young people, with 330,000 injured, while human rights groups confirm 3,090 deaths.
- Who
- Iranian government, protesters, Irancell CEO Alireza Rafiei, Iranian doctors, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
- What
- Gradual restoration of internet access, protests over economic hardships, dismissal of Irancell CEO, state TV hijack
- When
- January 8, 2023 (internet blackout), January 18, 2026 (state TV hijack)
- Where
- Iran
- Why
- Government crackdown on protests, failure to comply with internet blockade orders, economic hardships, political unrest
- Company
- Irancell
- CEO
- Alireza Rafiei
- Date of Dismissal
- January 8, 2023
- Reason for Dismissal
- Failure to block internet access
- Internet Restrictions
- Virtually impossible since January 8
- Current Status
- Gradual restoration of internet access
- Subscribers
- 70 million
- Founded
- 2005
- Protest Death Toll
- 16,500 (doctors' report), 3,090 (human rights groups)
- Injured
- 330,000
- Eye Injuries
- 700
- Protest Start Date
- December 28, 2025
- State TV Hijack
- January 18, 2026
Sources
CEO Of Iran's 2nd Largest Telecom Firm Fired For Failing To Block Internet
Iran internet blackout: Disruption continues on 10th day after brief, restricted restoration amid protests
Partial internet facility restored in Iran after protest blackout
Iranian doctors peg death toll at 16,500, majority under age 30; 330,000 injured
Iran state TV hijacked as protest messages, video of exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi air nationwide