An Iranian official announced that internet access for companies could be restored in two days, following the disruption imposed by authorities amid massive protests.

A high-ranking official from Iran stated that he hopes internet access for companies will be restored in the next two days, after authorities imposed an internet shutdown on January 8, in the context of massive protests. Human rights organizations argue that this measure serves to conceal the bloody repression that has led to thousands of deaths among protesters. Official Hossein Rafieian mentioned that the decision to restore does not depend on him, but is being pursued through consultations with the competent authorities. The shutdown has severely affected the economy, with costs estimated between 4,000 and 6,000 trillion rials per day, and the NGO NetBlocks has estimated losses of over 31 million euros daily. The protests, initiated by shop owners due to the economic crisis, have escalated, putting the regime in the face of its biggest challenge since its establishment in 1979. The internet shutdown has hindered data collection on the victims of the repression, and the confirmed figures are likely much lower than reality.