CA, US & World
Iranians Greet Partial Internet Restoration with Defiance and Skepticism After Record 88-Day Blackout
TEHRAN, Iran — Iranians are reacting with a combination of deep skepticism, caution, and digital defiance following reports that authorities have partially restored online access after months of near-total isolation. The step down from a complete nationwide shutdown has left many citizens navigating a highly restricted digital landscape that still requires heavy circumvention to reach the outside world.
According to the independent internet monitoring group NetBlocks, the partial restoration occurred on Day 88 of the blackout, officially marking it as the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history. The order to ease connectivity restrictions was issued by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian through the country's Ministry of Communications. However, international monitors state it remains highly uncertain how far the restoration will extend or whether the directive will be fully and uniformly enforced across the state.
The unprecedented digital blackout was first triggered in late December 2025 as the Iranian regime moved to suppress widespread anti-government demonstrations fueled by rampant inflation, a collapsing national currency, and a worsening economic crisis. As the protests evolved into broader demands for systematic political reform, Tehran aggressively clamped down on communications. By late February 2026, amid regional U.S. and Israeli military strikes, the government escalated those restrictions into a near-total blackout.
Even with the newly announced lifting of the total ban, NetBlocks confirmed on Tuesday that the country's extensive internet filtering infrastructure—frequently referred to by locals as the "filternet"—remains heavily active. Major communication platforms like WhatsApp continue to be blocked, forcing citizens to rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass state firewalls.
The centralized nature of Iran's internet governance means that connectivity is controlled by overlapping layers of state security and religious institutions reporting directly to the supreme leader. This structure was institutionalized in 2012 when then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei established the Supreme Council for Cyberspace. The severe restrictions have created deep inequalities in digital access, with affluent or tech-savvy citizens relying on costly encrypted networks or smuggled Starlink satellite terminals, while the general public remains at the mercy of state-controlled access levels.
Despite the ongoing digital surveillance, many ordinary Iranians inside Tehran and other major hubs have seized the moment to stage a quiet but powerful act of digital resilience. For the first time in months, users have begun updating their social media feeds and uploading personal selfies to platforms like Instagram—a subtle, collective message that after weeks of enforced state silence, they refuse to be erased from the global stage.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: CNN Newsource
May 26, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!