Tehran — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed authorities to restore internet access across Iran, state media and international outlets reported on May 26, 2026.
Al Jazeera, citing Mehr News Agency and a senior source at Iran’s Ministry of Communications, said the order follows a prolonged, near-total internet blackout that internet monitor NetBlocks put at more than 87 days.
The restrictions, according to reports, limited civilians’ ability to obtain information during a period of bombing by Israel and the United States and severely disrupted businesses that rely on online connectivity.
Iran first imposed broad internet controls on January 8 in response to nationwide anti-regime protests. Access began to return gradually in February but was curtailed again after US and Israeli strikes against Iran commenced on February 28.
The internet restoration comes as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations over wording related to Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions, efforts aimed at reducing hostilities in the region and reaching a broader understanding, CNN reported, citing officials familiar with the talks.
US and Iranian officials remain divided over language concerning Iran’s nuclear activities and the process for sanctions relief, a sticking point that has slowed finalising an agreement. Still, US officials said there is growing optimism that remaining gaps could be bridged.
The presence of an Iranian delegation in Qatar, including senior negotiators, was called a positive development by some US officials, given Qatar’s role as a mediator in facilitating dialogue between the parties.
The United States has sought firm assurances that Iran will dispose of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and will not pursue a nuclear weapons capability. Iranian representatives have said detailed discussions on the nuclear programme are not on the current agenda and would be taken up in a subsequent round of talks.
This report is based on material from ANI and syndicated feeds and is published as received. The Tribune has not independently verified the full details.
