Iran began restoring internet access on Tuesday after an 88-day blackout imposed following U.S. and Israeli military strikes in February. Senior officials confirmed the partial restoration, which NetBlocks confirmed as "the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history." Iranians had been cut off from global internet for more than 12 weeks, affecting millions of citizens and businesses.

The prolonged shutdown severely impacted Iran's economy and tech sector, forcing companies to close and lay off staff. Online merchants struggled to make income for months. The restoration offers some relief for businesses, though cybersecurity experts noted connectivity levels may not return to pre-blackout levels, as seen after a previous shutdown in January when traffic only reached 50% of previous levels.

Political controversy surrounds the internet restoration, with Iran's judiciary reportedly suspending a working group that approved the unblocking. Despite this uncertainty, internet traffic from Iran increased on Tuesday. The ultimate fate of restored connectivity may depend on negotiations to end the war between Iran and the United States, leaving businesses in a state of limbo.