Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has now persisted for over 130 hours, marking one of the most prolonged communication blackouts in recent years. The blackout began amidst ongoing political unrest and protests across various regions of the country. Authorities have restricted internet access as part of efforts to curb information flow and suppress dissent.
During the outage, connectivity levels have remained extremely low, with estimates indicating that approximately 1% of normal internet activity is available. This severe reduction has hindered both personal communication and the dissemination of news and information within Iran and to the outside world.
The government has not officially provided detailed reasons for the extended shutdown, but experts suggest it is a response to ongoing unrest and efforts to control the narrative amid protests that have erupted in recent weeks. International human rights organizations have condemned the blackout, citing concerns over freedom of expression and access to information.
As the duration of the outage continues, analysts and residents alike await updates on when internet services might be restored. The shutdown highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Iran in managing civil unrest and controlling prior communication channels.