Iran's executive vice president apologised for the internet shutdown, saying the government suffers the most from connectivity disruptions, while acknowledging that maintaining the blackout indefinitely is impossible.

Iran’s internet has been cut off for more than 320 hours, according to investigations by bne IntelliNews; however, there has been a small increase in the number of websites returning to service. Household and mobile internet connections remain entirely offline, with families inside and outside the country becoming increasingly desperate to reach their loved ones.

Internet traffic from Iran continues at historically low levels, with only minimal connections permitted by the Islamic Republic government as it attempts to hold off a flood of protest videos hitting the internet. 

Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, Executive Vice President, told a meeting with digital sector activists at the Kowsar building that businesses across Iran are suffering losses due to internet restrictions implemented during recent anti-government protests, Zoomit reported on January 22.

"Non-digital and digital businesses are losing money. When the government wants to collect taxes, it cannot tax someone who has no production and whose business is closed. Employers cannot even pay their workers' insurance and a vicious cycle will occur," Ghaempanah said.

The official said internet connectivity should be restored "by tomorrow and the day after" for the majority of users, adding: "It is impossible to say we always cut off the internet; how long can we cut off the internet?"

Ghaempanah said the government opposes filtering and filter-breaking tools, stating that "blocking and filtering is the cause of people's dissatisfaction". However, he described security as a prerequisite for business and said internet cuts are "unavoidable" when the Islamic Republic faces attacks.

"I apologise for my part for cutting off the internet," Ghaempanah said.

Meanwhile, Farshid Shokrkhoda'i, Head of the Investment Commission at Iran Chamber of Commerce, told ISNA that internet access for business operators has not been restored, contradicting earlier reports suggesting traders had regained connectivity.

"The internet for traders has not been connected. What was meant by connecting traders is that their internet has only been opened at the Tehran Chamber and provincial chambers. Traders' personal internet has not been opened and they have to go to the Tehran Chamber or the relevant provincial chamber and exchange emails through a few computers," Shokrkhoda'i said. Iran imposed a nationwide internet shutdown on January 8 as anti-government protests intensified, severely disrupting businesses and economic activity. The blackout has prevented online transactions, communications with international partners and access to digital services.

He said traders "must queue at chamber locations for between 30 minutes to one hour" to send or receive emails, with high demand for the limited service.

Many business operators have sent staff abroad to the UAE or Turkey, acquired international SIM cards from Iraq, or travelled to border areas to use roaming services, according to Shokrkhoda'i.

The chamber official said the private sector opposes "class-based internet" and believes connectivity should be restored for all citizens.

The country's National Security Council secretary said no precise timeline can be announced for restoring internet connectivity, as the nationwide blackout enters its third week with under 5% of users connected to the global internet, Zoomit reported on January 21.

Ali-Akbar Pourjamshidian, Secretary of the National Security Council, said during a television interview that the council considers both "security" and "economy" important but has concluded that public security takes priority under current conditions.

Pourjamshidian said the internet restoration issue is being pursued and problems will be resolved "point by point" and "subject by subject" with a "gentle slope", though he declined to specify when connectivity would be fully restored when asked directly by the programme presenter. "Ultimately, the goal is to move towards normal conditions in this area," he said, while acknowledging that no specific timeline can be announced.

More than 3,000 Iranians died in recent protests according to the Islamic Republic's own reporting numbers, which include men, women and children.