Iran may finally see the Telegram ban lifted if the app follows strict domestic rules. Consequently, authorities told Telegram to fully cooperate with judicial authorities to restore access. Officials emphasized that the platform must follow Iran’s oversight regulations to reopen.
The communications ministry led negotiations this week. In addition, it reports to the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, which monitors foreign technology platforms. During the talks, Iranian officials presented several requirements that Telegram must meet to lift the ban.
Telegram must respond promptly to legal requests from domestic authorities. Moreover, the app must remove content reported by users and block posts that promote terrorism or ethnic tensions. Authorities also stressed that Telegram must not share user data with foreign intelligence agencies.
Meanwhile, a government committee has not yet voted on lifting the ban. Authorities follow a 32-step plan that foreign companies must complete to comply with Iran’s digital regulations. Previously, approvals under this plan allowed other services, including messaging apps and app stores, to resume operations.
Lawmakers stress that authorities must complete each step before reviewing Telegram’s case. For instance, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said officials should fully implement the plan before considering the app’s future.
Iran blocked Telegram in 2018 after authorities claimed the app helped organize protests. Despite the restrictions, millions of Iranians still use VPNs to access the platform. A recent survey showed that only 2.4 percent of users were “very satisfied” with internet quality, while over 80 percent relied on VPNs to reach blocked services.
Officials argue that restrictions protect national security. However, critics counter that the ban harms small businesses and limits public communication. Analysts warn that the outcome of these talks could set a precedent for other foreign platforms seeking access to Iran’s market.
Authorities insist they will lift the ban only after Telegram meets all requirements. Therefore, observers expect negotiations to continue for several more weeks. Finally, the Telegram ban lifted remains the central topic in these discussions. Authorities made it clear that cooperation and compliance with domestic rules offers the only path to reopening the platform.