Iran is facing significant internet restrictions amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes, further complicating the already precarious situation for its citizens. History shows that the Iranian government has been systematically developing the tools necessary to control and limit internet access for over 80 million people. Past incidents include a notorious 2019 shutdown aimed at quelling protests, followed by disruptions in 2022 during the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated, particularly following airstrikes on Iranian targets on June 13, 2025, Iranian authorities implemented new internet restrictions. Reports surfaced of "temporary restrictions" imposed by Iran’s Ministry of Communication, attributed to the "special conditions" the nation was experiencing. As the conflict intensified, connectivity in Iran plummeted, with decreases of up to 90% reported in the following days. Renowned internet analyst Doug Madory noted these dramatic drops in connectivity were reflected across various service providers.
Researchers from Project Ainita reported grave issues, revealing that international connectivity was severely curtailed, impacting news access and domestic communications. Other organizations monitoring the situation, such as Cloudflare Radar and Netblocks, confirmed the near-total blackout affecting Iran.
The Iranian government has not only restricted internet access but also advised officials against using internet-connected devices and urged citizens to delete apps like WhatsApp, which have provided means to circumvent censorship in the past. Authorities claim these actions are precautionary measures against potential cyberattacks, despite experts indicating that such blackouts do not effectively protect against high-level cyber threats but rather restrict access to crucial information for the general populace.
Digital rights analyst Mahsa Alimardani highlighted the dire impact of these internet restrictions, particularly for those in Tehran, where many have experienced unstable connectivity. Reports indicate that even family members traveling outside Tehran found connectivity only after distancing themselves significantly from the capital.
The Iranian regime’s systematic shutdowns echo a growing trend seen globally, where governments implement similar actions during crises, often to suppress dissent. In a climate where free information flow is pivotal, such disruptions can lead to increased vulnerabilities among the civilian population, particularly in terms of safety and timely access to vital news.
Efforts to redirect people toward domestic applications, which might lack proper privacy features, have intensified amidst the shutdowns, leaving citizens reliant on insecure platforms in a time of fear and uncertainty. As international monitoring and communication become increasingly difficult, the potential for misinformation rises, further endangering the safety of those within Iran.
In conclusion, the technical justifications for current Iran’s actions largely remain unclear. The overarching goal appears to be the maintenance of government control over public narratives, particularly in the face of escalating conflict with Israel.
