President Pezeshkian Urges Swift Removal of Internet Restrictions
WANA (Jan 19) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized the need for the rapid removal of internet restrictions, saying he has recommended that limitations on online access be lifted as soon as possible to facilitate internet-based businesses and reduce communication constraints.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Pezeshkian said that following a meeting with digital economy stakeholders, he conveyed this recommendation to Ali Larijani, stressing that easing internet restrictions is essential for supporting online businesses and improving economic activity.
Referring to consultations held at the Supreme National Security Council and his meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader, the president addressed the handling of judicial cases related to individuals detained in connection with recent terrorist incidents.
He said the emphasis was on ensuring maximum accuracy and fairness in reviewing such cases, noting that those who did not play a key role in the incidents should be treated with leniency, while the cases of killers and ringleaders must follow established judicial and security procedures. He added that arrests alone are not sufficient and that no individual’s rights should be violated.
Iran’s Internet Blackout: A Country Disconnected
WANA (Jan 17) – From the night of January 8, 2026, when international internet access was cut off for the fourth time in Iran’s history, the country’s population faced a new challenge. This time, the shutdown—described as a security measure following domestic unrest and external threats—not only severed millions of people’s connection with the outside […]
Pezeshkian further stressed the need for a detailed and province-by-province review of intelligence, security, and operational approaches toward protesters and unrest.
He called for reassessing and correcting managerial and performance shortcomings by drawing on the expertise of university scholars, sociologists, and civil society organisations, saying that identifying both weaknesses and strengths is essential to preventing similar incidents in the future.
Criticizing the behaviour of some world leaders, particularly the United States, Israel, and their supporters, the president questioned international reactions to recent events in Iran, asking how attacks on civilians, marketplaces, and places of worship could be justified anywhere in the world.
Following the recent unrest in Iran, Internet access has been disrupted and faced heavy restrictions due to security concerns at the order of security authorities.
Heavy Penalties for Using Starlink in Iran
WANA (Jan 17) – Following a decision by Iran’s security authorities to impose restrictions on the global internet and communication tools in order to control the security situation after recent unrest, some Iranian users have turned to satellite internet services as a means of accessing the internet. However, under the Law on Intensifying Punishments […]
