Internet Back? Only Seemingly; Disruptions Continue in Iran
In recent days, news of the “return of the internet to normal” after a period of widespread disconnection has been a headline in many media outlets and a topic of discussion among users on social networks. On June 24, 2025, the Minister of Communications announced in a post on social media that with conditions returning to normal, the internet situation, which had been cut off until that day, had returned to its normal state. But has the internet in Iran truly returned to its previous condition? User reports from across the country and data published by internet monitoring entities indicate a different reality: disruptions continue in Iran, and the “return of the internet” appears to have happened only seemingly and merely as an official statement.
This report takes a deeper look at the current state of the internet in Iran, examines the types of existing disruptions, describes their impact on people’s daily lives and businesses, and analyzes the difference between the official narrative and user experience. Our main focus is on the fact that disruptions continue in Iran.
User Experience; A Reality Far From Expectations
Following the official announcement of the return to normal conditions, many users hoped to access the internet without problems and use services that had been blocked in the previous days. However, reports coming from various cities in Iran indicate the continuation of serious problems in connecting to and using the internet. Internet speed in many areas remains low, and connecting to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which are the primary tool for many users to access filtered content, faces issues or has become impossible.
Furthermore, some services and websites that were previously filtered have been blocked again with greater severity. This situation has created numerous challenges for users who rely on the internet for work, education, communication with people abroad, and even entertainment. The inability to communicate with family and friends residing outside the country is one of the most significant concerns for citizens these days. This issue shows that despite the official announcement, disruptions continue in Iran and have affected people’s normal lives.
Technical Data; Evidence of Continuing Disruptions
International entities that monitor internet connectivity worldwide have also published reports that align with the experiences of Iranian users. Data from companies like NetBlocks, which specialize in monitoring internet disruptions, shows that even after a temporary easing of restrictions on June 21, internet connectivity in Iran has once again been restricted. Charts published by these entities clearly show sudden drops in traffic and internet access in Iran during different periods, strongly indicating the existence of widespread and targeted disruptions.
This technical data directly challenges the claim of the “return of the internet to normal” and confirms user field reports. Disruptions continue in Iran, and this is confirmed not only by users but also by objective technical data. Analysis of this data shows that the internet situation in Iran is not stable, and access to it is affected by various factors beyond the control of ordinary users.
Roots of the Disruptions; From Security Issues to Internal Control
The exact and underlying reasons for the recent internet disruptions in Iran are not fully clear, but several potential factors can be mentioned. The beginning of these disruptions coincided with tensions and military clashes with Israel. Authorities initially cited “security issues” and “information protection” as the reason for these restrictions. This justification was made while human rights lawyers and activists considered the cutting off of internet in critical situations a violation of citizens’ basic rights to access information and communication. They believed that this action not only does not help ensure security but also puts citizens at risk by creating an “information blackout.”
Furthermore, some experts believe that these disruptions are part of the long-term project of a “national internet” or “National Information Network.” The goal of this project is to reduce dependence on international infrastructure and, ultimately, gain more control over the country’s cyberspace. During the recent disruptions, the emphasis on using domestic messaging apps and platforms by some officials reinforces the speculation that restrictions on international internet might also have been imposed with the aim of directing users towards domestic platforms. However, even domestic messaging apps like Eita and Bale have experienced disruptions at times, indicating that domestic infrastructure is not immune to this situation. Regardless of the reasons, the result is the same: disruptions continue in Iran, and users are grappling with numerous problems.
Economic Impacts; Crippling Online Businesses
One of the most tangible consequences of the recent internet disruptions is the blow dealt to Iran’s digital economy. Online businesses, e-commerce stores, freelancers, and startups whose survival depends on stable and high-speed internet connectivity have suffered heavy losses during this period. The Minister of Communications of the new government himself admitted that the income of online businesses decreased by 80% during the period of conflict. This shocking statistic shows the depth of the disaster that has occurred in this sector.
Many small and home-based businesses that do not have significant capital to weather difficult days are on the verge of bankruptcy. Even larger businesses have suffered significant losses. This situation not only harms the income of business owners and their employees but also leads to a decrease in GDP and the country’s backwardness in the digital economy sector. Disruptions continue in Iran, and this is not just a technical problem but a full-blown economic crisis for a significant part of society.
Social and Communication Consequences; Digital Isolation
Beyond economic issues, internet disruption also has widespread social and communication consequences. As mentioned, the ability of Iranians residing outside the country to communicate with their families inside Iran has faced serious problems. This is particularly concerning and anxiety-inducing for those whose loved ones are in sensitive or critical areas. Being out of touch with loved ones in a situation where access to reliable information is also limited puts significant psychological pressure on individuals.
Furthermore, the internet has become an essential tool for education, information dissemination, access to government and banking services, and even healthcare. Disruption in access to it disrupts many of these daily activities. Students face problems accessing educational resources, patients booking doctor’s appointments, and citizens conducting their banking affairs. This “digital isolation” not only makes daily life difficult but also restricts free access to information and creates fertile ground for the spread of misinformation or controlled information. Consequently, disruptions continue in Iran and affect various aspects of citizens’ lives.
Uncertain Future; Will This Situation Continue?
Given the ongoing disruptions and the lack of complete transparency regarding their reasons and duration, the future of the internet situation in Iran seems uncertain. While some unofficial news indicates the possibility of lifting the filtering of some popular platforms like Telegram and Instagram, simultaneously, news about the possibility of re-filtering WhatsApp for “security reasons” is also being reported. This contradiction in news and officials’ approaches adds to the ambiguity of the situation.
What is clear is that the country’s communication infrastructure requires serious investment and development, and repeated restrictions and filtering not only do not help improve the situation but cause further backwardness. Users and businesses need stable, high-speed, and unrestricted access to the internet to be able to operate in today’s digital world. Unless fundamental approaches to the internet change and infrastructure is seriously strengthened, it seems the story of disruptions will continue in Iran, and the dream of the “return of the internet to normal” will remain out of reach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the official announcement regarding the “return of the internet” and the normalization of conditions, field evidence and technical data indicate that disruptions continue in Iran. This situation has had deep impacts on people’s daily lives, online business activities, and international communications. The lack of transparency regarding the reasons and duration of these restrictions has increased concerns and left the future of the internet situation in the country shrouded in ambiguity. What is felt more than ever is the need for a constructive and more transparent approach from officials and serious action to address the root causes of infrastructural problems and unnecessary restrictions so that access to stable and free internet becomes a reality for all Iranian citizens, rather than just a dream.
