Iranian authorities say restrictions on internet access are being lifted amid the ceasefire with Israel.
“The communication network is gradually returning to its previous state,” said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' cyber security command in a statement carried by state media.
On June 13, telecoms officials in the country announced temporary restrictions to prevent alleged misuse by the Israeli military and stop the apparent spread of disinformation.
Shortly afterwards, internet traffic in the country dropped by almost half, and was almost nonexistent in the days the followed, according to NetBlocks, which tracks cyber security and digital governance around the world.
Internet disruptions imposed by the government in Iran are not unusual, but some experts say the latest blackout caused more distress than usual because of the back-and-forth strikes between Israel and Iran.
“It was a double-edged sword,” Mohammed Soliman, director of the strategic technologies and cybersecurity programme at the Washington-based Middle East Institute think tank, told The National.
“While it bought the government time during wartime, it also fuels public frustration by disrupting civilian services – banking, communication, daily routines – not to mention access to public safety information and contact with loved ones.”
“Iran’s internet blackout is a wartime move,” he said. “It suppresses potential dissent, and obscures battlefield losses.”
Shortly after Iran announced the blackout, however, tech tycoon Elon Musk announced that his company, Starlink, had activated services for those in the country with consoles that could access the low-earth-orbit satellite internet connection.
Starlink and similar services are not officially available in the country.
As a result of air strikes between Iran and Israel, technological paranoia kicked into overdrive on both sides.
Attempts to jam global positioning satellite (GPS) systems have been reported, causing smartphones in various countries to show incorrect time zones and map locations.
Even while Iran was under the internet blackout, US authorities expressed concern about the potential for cyber attacks originating from the country.
“Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian 'hacktivists' are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks on US networks,” a US National Terrorism Advisory bulletin read.
Iran is acknowledged in the cyber security community as a major state sponsor of cyber attacks, and the country featured prominently throughout Microsoft's 2024 Digital Defence Report.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
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The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
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FIXTURES
December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
LIST OF INVITEES
Shergo Kurdi (am)
Rayhan Thomas
Saud Al Sharee (am)
Min Woo Lee
Todd Clements
Matthew Jordan
AbdulRahman Al Mansour (am)
Matteo Manassero
Alfie Plant
Othman Al Mulla
Shaun Norris
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
