Partial Internet Return Reveals Tehran's Power Struggle

Iran has partially restored international internet access after a nearly three-month blackout, triggering a public clash within the ruling elite as hardliners challenge President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration over who controls internet governance. A newly formed “special headquarters” to manage reconnection faces legal pushback from conservative factions, while NetBlocks reports ongoing heavy filtering and about 60% of normal connectivity. The episode highlights tensions between hardline elements aligned with the Supreme Council of Cyberspace and security bodies, revealing a fraught struggle over access to the global web.