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Iran Media Push ‘Calm’ Narrative as Internet Access Partially Returns
Tehran is intensifying efforts to present normalcy despite ongoing protests and severe internet restrictions, according to international media reports.
State-aligned outlets, including Viory and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), have aired footage portraying the capital as peaceful and stable. Iran International reported that IRIB repeatedly broadcast videos showing families skiing while narrators described the city as calm and “enjoying the snowfall.” The Jerusalem Post stated it could not independently verify the footage.
Restricted Internet Access Gradually Returning
For more than 200 hours, most Iranians experienced a near-total digital blackout. However, NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring organization, reported that at hour 238 of the blackout there was a “significant return to some online services, including Google.” The group said this suggested access had returned in a heavily filtered form.
Iran International further reported that limited connectivity was available mainly to select state-approved users through so-called “white SIM cards.”
Government Claims Protesters Were Armed Aggressors
IRIB also claimed that new resurfacing footage showed protesters as “armed aggressors,” a narrative intended to justify government crackdowns. Sunday marked the 21st day of nationwide protests and the 10th day of the media blackout.
Some footage shared by IRIB was reportedly recorded on January 8 and 9, during the early days of the blackout, when international outlets reported a high number of casualties among protesters inside Iran.
Schools Reopen as Judiciary Addresses Arrests
To reinforce messaging that the situation is under control, IRIB reported that schools and universities reopened. The broadcaster also quoted the Iranian Judiciary as saying it aimed to distinguish between citizens who “were deceived” and those considered leaders of the unrest.
Watchdogs Warn of ‘Digital Isolation’ Strategy
Digital rights organization Filterwatch stated that Iranian leadership has entered a phase of “absolute digital isolation” through censorship, network disruption, and algorithmic filtering. The watchdog believes unrestricted internet access may not return soon and may represent a permanent shift in Iran’s information strategy.
