After authorities lifted a months-long internet blackout, Iranians began regaining internet access on Wednesday. However, users reported that service was slow and spotty in some areas, and apps such as YouTube and Instagram remained heavily restricted—much as they were before service was cut off during the nationwide protests in January.

As they decided this week to lift some restrictions, negotiators appeared to be on the verge of reaching a more lasting ceasefire agreement. But many Iranians fear that the access could be closed again at a moment’s notice.

Internet monitoring firm Netblocks said that Iran’s internet connectivity is at only about 86% of what it was before the blackout. Internet analytics firm Kentik said that internet traffic is at about 40%.

Approximately 90 million people in Iran have been cut off from the internet for most of 2026, marking one of the longest and strictest national internet blackouts in the world.