Iran's Autocratic Regime Cripples Connectivity Amidst Political Unrest and Conflict
Demonstrations portrayed on Iran's national television
In the midst of intensified warfare with Israel, Iran's internet infrastructure faces a near-collapse,, leaving its populace in the dark and disconnected. The digital desert began to take shape around June 18, 2025, as the war with Israel surpassed its fifth day, plunging internet connectivity in Iran by an astounding 97% compared to usual levels, according to web monitoring firms like NetBlocks and Cloudflare [1].
It appears that this digital blackout is a calculated response by the government due to several factors:
- Cyberwarfare and Unrelenting Attacks: With the conflict against Israel reaching new heights, Iran has been besieged by a barrage of cyberattacks concentrated on key institutions such as banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. Iranian media and authorities refer to these attacks as an onslaught in the digital domain instigated by Israel against Iran [1].
- Disabling Opponents' Digital Operations: Iranian media outlets affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards advocate for a complete shutdown of the internet, citing the need to disrupt supposed hostile cyberattacks and drone operations [4].
- Suppressing Dissent and Managing Information: The blackout also aligns with ongoing protests within Iran. The government aims to control the narrative and minimize communication among protesters, with previous internet shutdowns in Iran being linked to quelling dissent [4].
This sweeping disconnection from the digital world has resulted in significant disruptions in the daily lives of millions, making basic activities such as financial transactions and communicating with loved ones abroad challenging. Some users feel trapped, describing themselves as "digital hostages" under these circumstances, relying on VPNs to send messages [4].
In essence, Iran's near-total internet shutdown is a multi-faceted government initiative aiming to safeguard network stability, disrupt enemy operations, and maintain control over the domestic situation amidst the escalating conflict [1][4][5].
[1] Monitoring internet disruptions in Iran amid ongoing conflicts with Israel: NetBlocks. (2025). https://www.netblocks.org/research/internet-disruptions-iran[4] Iran blocks internet in response to protests and cyberattacks: Axios. (2025). https://www.axios.com/iran-blocks-internet-protests-cyberattacks-e7c98d97-1943-4dba-b10a-5d39bb95f9d8.html[5] Iran's internet shutdown: Is the government suppressing dissent or thwarting a cyberwar? BBC News. (2025). https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57093637
The European Union, given the political unrest and conflict in Iran, might consider it necessary to expedite the development of a common foreign and security policy regarding Iran's autocratic regime and the ongoing digital blackout. In the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice, the sweeping internet shutdown in Iran, a multi-faceted government initiative, raises concerns about suppression of dissent and the freedom of expression.
