Internet Connectivity in Iran Shows Partial Recovery

Traffic patterns shifted abruptly on May 26, 2026, marking the first notable sign of internet restoration in Iran since the near-total shutdown began in late February. Cloudflare Radar data reveals a sharp increase in web traffic and DNS queries, climbing to about 40% of the baseline levels seen before the blackout. This surge was not uniform across the country; Tehran emerged as the primary hub of renewed connectivity, while many other regions remained largely offline. The spike primarily involved IPv4 traffic, which rebounded significantly, whereas IPv6 traffic showed negligible change, staying near zero. This discrepancy raises technical questions about the nature of the restoration. IPv6’s continued absence could indicate that the infrastructure or routing policies remain constrained, potentially limiting the scope and resilience of the renewed access. The selective reactivation of IPv4 routes suggests a controlled or partial easing of restrictions rather than a full reopening. Past episodes of intermittent connectivity in Iran have often been followed by abrupt reversals, underscoring the fragility of the current situation. The data does not yet confirm a stable or permanent restoration; instead, it highlights a tentative step forward amid ongoing uncertainty. Monitoring real-time traffic trends remains essential to detect potential rollbacks or further expansions of access. This partial rebound, while encouraging on the surface, carries embedded risks. The uneven geographic spread and technical limitations point to a restoration process that is still heavily managed and vulnerable to disruption. For engineers and analysts tracking Iran’s digital landscape, these developments call for cautious interpretation and sustained vigilance.