What's happened
Iran's government has maintained its internet blackout for over two weeks, severely restricting global connectivity for its 90 million citizens. The shutdown is the longest on record, with most Iranians limited to a slow intranet and state-controlled platforms. Some use satellite services despite risks, while authorities have not explained the long-term plan.
What's behind the headline?
Iran's prolonged internet blackout demonstrates the regime's prioritization of control over connectivity during wartime. The shutdown effectively isolates the population, limiting access to international news and communication with outside families. This will likely increase economic damages and deepen digital isolation, making recovery more difficult. The government’s move to establish a tiered internet system indicates a long-term strategy to restrict access even after the war ends. The use of satellite internet like Starlink presents a risky workaround for some Iranians, but authorities are cracking down on VPN use and alternative connections. This blackout will likely intensify economic hardship and social unrest, as citizens remain cut off from global information flows and economic opportunities.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Iran has cited national security for its third internet blackout since last year, with activists saying it suppresses communication during wartime. SBS highlights that global internet access has hovered at roughly 1% of pre-war levels, with the longest shutdown ever recorded. The New Arab emphasizes that Iran's shutdown exceeds all other comparable incidents, with most civilians spending nearly two-thirds of 2026 in digital darkness. All sources agree that the shutdown severely limits Iranians' ability to connect internationally, with some managing limited access via VPNs or satellite services, despite risks and government crackdowns. The articles contrast the regime's security justification with the economic and social toll, illustrating a pattern of digital suppression during conflict.
How we got here
Iran has imposed multiple internet blackouts since the war began, with the current shutdown starting after US and Israeli attacks on February 28. The government cites security reasons, and previous outages have lasted weeks, severely impacting communication, economic activity, and access to information. The shutdown has been used to suppress protests and limit collective action.
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Common question
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Why Has Iran Extended Its Internet Blackout?
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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