Iran's Internet Blackout Reaches 82 Days — Only Elite and Business Access Maintained

As Iran's internet shutdown for ordinary citizens reached its 82nd day, Euronews published a detailed analysis of the 'class internet' system that had emerged: government officials, approved businesses, and intelligence services retained tiered VPN-enabled access while the general public remained cut off. The internet shutdown was imposed on February 28, 2026, when US-Israeli attacks began, and had become one of the longest national internet shutdowns in modern history. President Pezeshkian's committee to study restoration — announced May 15 — was widely seen as cosmetic given the IRGC's effective veto over cyberspace policy. The shutdown was causing severe economic damage to small businesses, e-commerce, and remote workers, compounding Iran's war-related economic contraction.