Iran's Internet Flickers Back After 88 Days: Anger, Anxiety, and Tears Replace Celebration

Ekhbary News Agency | 2026-05-12T14:30:00Z

Tehran - Following 88 days of a near-total internet blackout, limited connectivity has flickered back to life in Iran. However, the initial reactions were far from celebratory, instead being threaded with skepticism, anxiety, and anger. Long-delayed messages, images, and poems flooded social media feeds, but many posts expressed frustration. An artist from Tehran, Ellie (42), described holding back tears, stating, "This isn't freedom."

Skepticism Over 'Internet Pro'

This partial restoration has sparked concerns that it might be a move towards the 'internet pro' system, which critics fear allows for easier monitoring. Many Iranians consider internet access a basic right, not an achievement to be applauded. Photographer Maryam criticized the Western media's portrayal of the partial restoration as a government success, emphasizing that mobile internet remains largely unusable and VPNs are only slightly easier to connect to.

Profound Losses and Disillusionment

Amin, a professor in Tehran, reflected on the broader impact: "We are the biggest losers in this war. We lost our livelihoods, our youth, and our trust." Dark humor has also resurfaced, with some users expressing bitterness about the political situation. The return of online access has brought a complex mix of emotions, highlighting the deep-seated frustrations within the country.