If there is no law (regulating the internet), introduce a law and take control based on that law, says the ayatollah at his first meeting with newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian's government.
Khamenei's statement stands in sharp contrast to Pezeshkian's election promises to ease the strict restrictions on Iran's internet.
In recent years, the religious dictatorship has tightened its grip on the internet even further – not least since nationwide protests shook the country in 2022, following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the morality police's custody.
Among other things, Facebook, X, Whatsapp, Telegram, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube are blocked. Iranians can, however, access certain social media platforms with the help of VPN (Virtual Private Network).
