A senior member of Iran's parliament has indicated that a nationwide internet blackout, imposed during the country's most severe domestic turmoil in decades, could be lifted within days. This potential move follows a reported week of relative calm after security forces violently suppressed widespread anti-government demonstrations.
Blackout Imposed Amid Historic Unrest
The internet shutdown was enacted as Iran grappled with its most significant wave of domestic unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The protests, which erupted in late December, were met with a fierce crackdown.
An anonymous Iranian official cited a staggering death toll, reporting that over 5,000 people were killed during three days of intense violence. This figure allegedly includes approximately 500 members of the security forces.
Iranian authorities have maintained that armed crowds, allegedly incited by foreign enemies, attacked critical infrastructure like hospitals and mosques. Conversely, opponents of the regime accuse government forces of opening fire on peaceful demonstrators.
State Television Hacked Amid Chaos
In a significant breach during the peak of the disorder, Iran's state television broadcasts were reportedly hacked. The intrusion led to the brief transmission of speeches calling for public revolt.
The broadcasts featured messages from two controversial figures: former US President Donald Trump and the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, Reza Pahlavi. Pahlavi, who lives outside Iran, has previously stated he believes he is 'uniquely positioned' to lead the country.
Path to Restoration After Suppression
The statement about potentially restoring internet access came from Angus McDowall, a senior parliament member, on Monday 19 January 2026. He linked the possible lifting of the blackout directly to the improved security situation, noting a week of diminished protest activity following the suppression.
The government now faces the complex task of balancing its control over information flow with the immense economic and social pressures caused by a prolonged national internet outage. The decision, while not yet confirmed, signals a tentative step towards normalisation after a period of extreme crisis.
