Iranian MP Denounces Pezeshkian's Internet Committee as "Decorative"

State-linked outlet Khabar Online quoted MP Mohammad-Reza Pourdehghan criticizing President Pezeshkian's order assigning First VP Aref to lead a committee on ending Iran's internet blackout. The MP called the committee 'more decorative or psychological in nature,' exposing internal fractures within the regime over how to manage public anger at the now 82-day internet shutdown. Security hawks in the IRGC and intelligence establishment held veto power over any connectivity restoration, making the presidential committee largely symbolic. The backlash illustrated the limits of reformist influence in Pezeshkian's government amid wartime emergency measures.