Shut off from the global community, Iranians face a 12-hour internet dark age
Prolonged Internet Disruption Persists for More Than 12 Hours in Iran
In Iran, the lack of online connection is a pressing issue as the nation experiences an internet blackout lasting over 12 hours, according to Netblocks – an organization monitoring internet shutdowns worldwide. This move restricts access to crucial information at a vital time, as per Netblocks' statement.
The Iranian regime has been accused of using internet disruptions in critical situations, wanting to maintain a hold on the flow of information and dissent. Journalists often view these shutdowns as war crimes, given their impact on citizen communication and access to the world.
As reported by Mehr, Iran's Communications Ministry justified the restrictions citing "hostile aggressors" misusing the nation's communication network for military purposes, putting innocent lives at risk. Domestic communication, however, remains operational.
The mode of communication had already been significantly impacted a day prior, with intermittent mobile and landline calls.
Historically, Iran's government has restricted or entirely cut off internet access during times of political turmoil or regional tensions, silencing independent voices and allowing state-controlled media to dominate the narrative. Notable instances include the November 2019 protests, the 2022 nationwide uprising, and the June 2025 escalation amid regional tensions, such as an Israel-Iran conflict.
The Cyber Police (FATA) commonly attribute such disruptions to "cyberattacks," but many Iranians believe these internet blackouts are deliberate government actions intended to stifle opposition and control the flow of information.
Sources: ntv.de, lme/dpa
- Iran
- Internet shutdowns
The European Union, expressing concern over the ongoing internet shutdowns in Iran, has stated that these disruptions greatly impact the flow of general-news and hinder the democratic process of politics within the country. The Iranian people, cut off from the global community, find it increasingly difficult to communicate with the world and express their opinions, a trend that has been apparent during various political turmoils and regional tensions, as in November 2019, the 2022 nationwide uprising, and the June 2025 escalation.
