Iranian authorities have said they are considering "gradually" restoring internet access after imposing a sweeping communications shutdown across the country more than a week ago, local media reported. On Sunday (January 18, 2026) morning, AFP was able to connect to the internet from its Tehran office, though the vast majority of internet providers and mobile internet remain cut. Citing an unnamed "informed source", the agency said local messaging applications "will soon be activated" on Iran's domestic intranet. For days, text messages and international phone calls — and at times even local calls — were cut off. State television has since Saturday (January 17, 2026) been promoting local messaging applications including Rubika — which was largely unavailable earlier this week.

Source: The Hindu January 18, 2026 15:54 UTC