Google became what experts believe is the first company to extend technology services to Iranians under an authorization issued by the U.S. Treasury Department in May.

In a brief Google+ post on Monday, the company said to developers they can make their Android phone apps available in Iran, and instructed them on how to do so. The note said the distribution option is only available for free apps, and not for apps for purchase or those that use in-app billing.

Iranian commenters on the post could barely contain their glee.

"Thank you [G]oogle," said Mehdi Akar, a Web developer at Chargoon Co., an Iranian software company. "[Y]ou give us freedom."