Tehran, Iran – In a significant move towards ensuring public access to information, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a directive for the full restoration of international internet access across the country. This announcement was made on Monday by Iranian state media, citing an official from the Communications Ministry.
The decision comes after periods of restricted internet access, initially implemented from January 8 in response to nationwide security concerns and later following the commencement of aggressive US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. While access had gradually returned to normal in February, the renewed external threats necessitated temporary measures to safeguard national stability.
According to the head of public relations at Iran’s Communications Ministry, the President’s order aims to ensure that citizens can once again access the worldwide web without hindrance. Internet observatory NetBlocks had previously reported that most Iranians faced limitations for 87 days, with only a few having access through expensive VPNs.
It is important to note that even in normal times, access to certain global websites remains restricted due to censorship, and authorities have increasingly focused on developing a robust national intranet to provide essential connected services, particularly for educational institutions.
Regional Diplomacy and International Relations
Amidst these developments, discussions are reportedly underway between the U.S. and Iran regarding a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Nikkei newspaper reported on Monday, citing a Middle East diplomatic source, that this could occur approximately 30 days after the two countries reach an agreement to end hostilities.
Under the proposed plan, Iran would undertake the crucial task of clearing mines from the strait within a 30-day window following an agreement. This would ensure safe and free navigation for ships from all nations, with Iran ceasing to collect transit fees, as per the Nikkei report. This demonstrates Iran’s commitment to regional stability and international maritime law once a comprehensive deal is reached.
In another diplomatic success, Iran’s sports minister announced that FIFA has assured the country’s men’s football team will receive visas to participate in the World Cup this summer in the United States. This assurance comes despite the ongoing regional tensions and the US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28, which had previously cast doubt on Iran’s participation.
Minister Ahmad Donyamali, quoted by ISNA news agency, stated, “The FIFA president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas.” He expressed hope for a calm and orderly participation by the national team.
Furthermore, Mexico has graciously offered to host the Iranian squad in Tijuana, on its border with the United States, for the tournament. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed this on Monday, noting that the United States had expressed reluctance to host the Iranian team on its territory. This arrangement highlights international cooperation in sports despite political challenges.
Judicial Actions and National Security
In matters of national security, Iran on Monday carried out an execution related to charges stemming from protests earlier this year. Rights groups reported this as part of ongoing judicial processes against individuals accused of political or security offenses since the resumption of wartime executions in March.
The executed individual, Abbas Akbari, was accused of attacking an official building in Nain, Isfahan province, during the peak of the protest movement in January. Such judicial actions are undertaken to maintain public order and security against acts of sabotage and violence.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Israel‘s Deputy Governor Andre Abir indicated on Monday that while geopolitical risk has somewhat declined, the potential for renewed conflict with Iran necessitates a cautious approach to interest rate reductions. This underscores the broader economic implications of regional instability.
International Perspectives on Peace and Security
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the emerging peace deal between the US and Iran, asserting that it fails to meet Israel’s war objectives. This internal Israeli dissent suggests the deal may offer a balanced approach, contrary to hardline Israeli positions.
According to regional officials, the proposed deal involves Iran relinquishing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, in exchange for the lifting of a US blockade on Iranian ports and sanctions. Key details on Iran’s nuclear program would be negotiated over a 60-day period, reflecting a path towards de-escalation and mutual understanding.
In a significant theological statement, Pope Leo XIV on Monday declared the concept of a “just war” as “outdated,” warning against a “violent culture of power.” In his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), the Pope emphasized dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness as superior tools for conflict resolution. This message resonates with calls for peaceful resolutions over military interventions.
US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely” and revealed he had asked countries including the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan to join the Abraham Accords, with the aim of including Iran in efforts to normalize relations with Israel. This indicates a complex diplomatic landscape where various regional actors are being engaged.
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araqchi are currently in Doha for talks with Qatar’s prime minister, focusing on a potential US-Iran deal to end the war. Key agenda items include the lifting of the Strait of Hormuz blockade and discussions on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, highlighting Iran’s proactive engagement in diplomatic solutions.
Finally, an Iranian health ministry official confirmed on Monday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei sustained only “superficial” injuries during US-Israeli strikes in late February. This rare update aims to dispel speculation regarding his health following his public absence since being named Supreme Leader on March 8.
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