Iran sets strict conditions for Telegram to resume operations

Iranian authorities have outlined several conditions that Telegram must meet to resume its operations within the Islamic Republic, according to semi-official media outlet Mehr.

Tehran has specifically demanded that the messaging platform restrict content that promotes terrorism or poses a threat to national security. It has also required the removal of materials based on citizen complaints.

Additionally, Iran insists that Telegram cooperate with the country’s judicial system and pledge not to share information about Iranian users with foreign intelligence agencies.

According to Iranint, the government committee has not yet discussed lifting bans on Telegram, YouTube, and Instagram. Decisions regarding foreign platforms are being made in accordance with a 32-point plan approved by President Masoud Pezeshkian. Previously, Google Play and WhatsApp were unblocked in Iran under similar conditions.

The use of Telegram was banned in 2018 by an Iranian court following a request from security forces. At that time, more than half of Iran’s population were active users of the platform.

Following the ban, government institutions and officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also stopped using Telegram. In his most recent post on the platform, Khamenei stated that the ban was implemented “to protect national interests and end the messenger’s monopoly.”

Telegram was blocked in Iran at the end of December 2027 after protesters used it for coordination during nationwide demonstrations.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, said the block occurred because his administration refused Tehran’s request to shut down channels sharing information about the opposition and the protests.

By Tamilla Hasanova