Iran Internet Return Sparks Political Rift Between Reformists and Hardliners

An internet cafe manager works on his computer as a man talks on his cell phone in Tehran, Iran, July 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

TEHRAN, May 28: Iran’s decision to partially restore international internet access after nearly three months of restrictions has triggered a growing political dispute within the country’s ruling establishment, with hardline factions accusing the government of bypassing key security institutions.

The controversy centers on a special committee formed earlier this month under First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref to oversee the phased return of global internet access following wartime restrictions imposed during the recent conflict between Iran and Israel.

Hardliners claim the body undermines the authority of the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, two of Iran’s most powerful institutions overseeing security and internet governance.

The dispute escalated after the committee voted Monday to move ahead with restoring broader internet access. In response, four hardline members of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace filed a complaint with Iran’s Administrative Justice Court seeking to suspend the decision and dissolve the committee.

Although the court temporarily ordered a halt to the committee’s decisions, the government later proceeded with reconnecting services, leading to the gradual return of home internet access in parts of the country and through some mobile operators.

Iranian media identified the complainants as members linked to the ultra-conservative Paydari Front. Reports also suggested that Mohammad-Amin Aghamiri, appointed during the administration of late president Ebrahim Raisi, supported the legal challenge.

According to reports from the meeting chaired by Aref, nine members backed restoring broader internet access while three opposed it, including Aghamiri and Peyman Jebelli, both known for advocating a heavily controlled domestic internet model similar to China’s system.

Hardline media outlets criticized the government’s move, arguing cyberspace remains a key battlefield during wartime and warning against weakening established security institutions.

Despite the restoration, internet access in Iran remains limited. Monitoring group NetBlocks said connectivity has only recovered to slightly above 60 percent of normal levels, with many services still filtered and users continuing to rely on VPNs due to unstable access.