Iranian communications official says internet blackouts are over

An Iranian communications official announced an end to Tehran’s much-criticized practice of shutting down the internet, saying the country had matured past the practice.

Tehran has relied on internet shutdowns to suppress dissent during times of domestic turbulence, usually instituting blackouts during major national protests. It most recently shut down the internet after the beginning of Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, triggering what became the largest internet blackout in modern history. It was partially lifted beginning last month.