PersonIR

Ali Reza Beigi Ranjbar

Iranian MP for Ardabil who publicly opposed reconnecting Iran's internet, Day 53 of the blackout.

Last refreshed: 22 September 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Which Iranian MP said reconnecting Iran's internet is 'not advisable'?

Background

Ali Reza Beigi Ranjbar is a member of Iran's Majlis (Parliament) representing Ardabil and a member of the Majlis Presidium. On 19-20 April 2026, he publicly stated that reconnecting Iran's internet to the global network is 'not advisable', a position cited by ILNA and Fararu news agencies in Farsi-language coverage. His statement was cross-referenced against Hengaw's running blackout clock when Iran's internet outage reached 1,272 hours on Day 53.

Ranjbar represents the hardliner parliamentary faction that has backed the wartime internet blackout as a domestic security measure. His framing — 'not advisable' to reconnect — is notable for two reasons: it confirms the blackout is a deliberate policy choice subject to parliamentary discussion rather than a technical disruption, and it suggests the political bloc supporting the blackout retains influence even as the Ceasefire debate intensifies.

The blackout, which by Day 53 had denied 90 million Iranians access to international banking, messaging, and news, has been cited by human rights organisations as cover for the execution of protest-era detainees. Ranjbar's position makes him one of the rare named parliamentarians on record defending the blackout's continuance.

Common Questions

Who is MP Ranjbar and what did he say about Iran's internet blackout?

Ali Reza Beigi Ranjbar is Iran's MP for Ardabil and a Majlis Presidium member. On 19-20 April 2026 he publicly said reconnecting Iran to the global internet is 'not advisable', confirming the blackout is a deliberate policy decision.Source: ILNA, Fararu

How long has Iran's internet been blacked out in the 2026 war?

Iran's internet blackout reached 1,272 hours (approximately 53 days) as of Day 53 of the conflict, 22 April 2026, per Hengaw's running count.Source: Hengaw

Is Iran's internet blackout a government choice or a technical problem?

MP Ranjbar's public statement that reconnecting is 'not advisable' confirms the blackout is a deliberate policy supported by the hardliner parliamentary bloc, not a technical disruption.Source: ILNA

How the World Sees Them

Iran (hardliners)

Ranjbar's faction views the blackout as a necessary wartime security measure. 'Not advisable' to reconnect signals continued political support for indefinite isolation.

Iran (reformists)

Reformist MPs have privately criticised the blackout's economic cost; Ranjbar's public statement makes his faction the explicit defender of continuance.

Iranians affected

Ninety million citizens remain cut off from international services. Ranjbar's statement signals no near-term restoration regardless of ceasefire status.

Human rights organisations

Ranjbar's endorsement of the blackout is cited as evidence that it is a deliberate policy, not a technical issue, strengthening accountability arguments.

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 September 2026. Editorial standards.