Pakistan, Jan. 25 -- The son of Iran's president has publicly urged authorities to restore internet access, warning that a prolonged nationwide blackout risks deepening public frustration and widening the gap between citizens and the state.

Yousef Pezeshkian, a media adviser to the presidency and son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, said keeping the internet shut would add even neutral citizens to growing ranks of dissatisfied people.

Iran has remained largely offline for more than two weeks after authorities imposed restrictions on January 8, following widespread protests that later turned violent in several cities.

Pezeshkian argued that restoring connectivity poses fewer risks than continuing the blackout, stressing that cutting acce...