Unplugged and Disconnected: Iran's Continuous Struggle with Internet Access
Prolonged internet disruption persists for more than 12 hours for Iranian residents
In the heart of Tehran, residents are left in the dark, disconnected from the outside world for over twelve hours. According to Netblocks, an organization devoted to monitoring internet shutdowns, this communication blackout continues to hinder the citizens' access to crucial information at a critical time.
The government of Iran justifies this action due to "misuse of the national communications network by the enemy aggressor for military purposes" and to secure the safety of innocent civilians. However, this action leaves the public struggling to maintain contact with loved ones, access financial services, and stay updated on current events.
Recent reports suggest that internet access in the country was limited on Tuesday, with direct mobile and landline calls also experiencing interruptions. The Communication Ministry declared that this restriction was necessary to thwart potential cyber threats and protect the wellbeing of the populace.
The actions of the Iranian government depict a pattern of cutting off or severely limiting internet access during periods of political unrest or conflict. Previously, in 2019, Iran imposed a full internet shutdown for six days amidst regime-critical demonstrations and a harsh crackdown on the civilian population, resulting in over 100 reported deaths.
Iran's internet blackouts serve multiple purposes: controlling the flow of information, suppression of protests, countering perceived external cyber threats, and limiting foreign influence. In 2025, Iran experienced another nationwide internet shutdown, with connections cut by about 80% in the wake of escalating tensions with Israel[1]. Officials claimed it was a defensive measure to thwart Israeli cyberattacks and curb the dissemination of information about Israeli strikes and protests within Iran[1].
In brief, Iran's history is marred by numerous substantial internet shutdowns, with the latest incident in 2025 linked to tensions with Israel and efforts to defend against cyberattacks and manage the domestic flow of information during heightened conflicts[1][2]. This pattern reflects a broader strategy employed by Iran to maintain control over internal security and external threats.
References:- [1] Stahl, K. (2025, June 19). Iran shuts down internet in response to Israeli cyberattacks. New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/19/world/middleeast/iran-internet-shutdown.html- [2] BTSJ. (2025, June 18). Iran’s June 2025 Internet Blackout: Key Takeaways. Brookings Institution. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/techstream/irans-june-2025-internet-blackout-key-takeaways/
The European Union, closely monitoring global events, expresses concern over the repeated internet shutdowns in the European Union, partially justified by the Iranian government under the guise of national security. These general-news reports highlight the potential impacts on politics and citizens' daily lives, including access to information, communication with loved ones, and financial services.
