Full Breakdown
Iran's Prolonged Internet Blackout Leaves Millions Cut Off
4/25/2026, 12:34:55 PM
Core Event & Timeline
Following the February 2026 escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran, the Iranian government ordered a nationwide shutdown of the global internet. Monitoring groups record the outage extending into its 55th day—over 1,300 hours—reducing traffic to roughly 2 % of normal levels.
Background & Infrastructure
Since 2009, Iran built a centralized telecom system routing most traffic through state-controlled gateways and created the National Information Network (NIN) to keep domestic services running when the global internet is cut.
Data Snapshot
Officials say 10 million people need stable internet; only ~200,000 (?2 %) hold government-issued white SIM cards. Security reports list 466 arrests for unauthorized online activity (including six for Starlink). Business surveys warn 80 % may fail, with losses estimated between $1.3 bn and $270 bn. Outage length is reported as 53-55 days (?1,250 hours) with connectivity at about 2 %.
Official Statements & Responses
Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi warned the internet shutdown threatens 10 million livelihoods. The Ministry of Education halted all in-person classes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the measure a wartime protection. NetBlocks described the event as a 55-day, 1,300-hour blackout reducing traffic to 2 %.
On-the-Ground Reports & Opposition
Residents near the Turkish border travel three days for brief Wi-Fi calls. Activists report IRGC surveillance warnings for any online use. Small businesses say communication has stopped and most fear bankruptcy. Users pay high fees for limited Starlink data, underscoring daily hardship.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on blackout length (53-55 days) and total hours (1,248 vs 1,296). Economic impact ranges from $1.3 bn lost to a projected $270 bn reconstruction cost. White SIM coverage is cited as 200,000 users (?2 %) and as only 2 % of the population, leaving 98 % without access. Arrest counts vary between six and 466.
Impact on Economy, Education, and Human Rights
The shutdown cripples e-commerce, freelance work and banking, threatening millions of incomes. Schools rely on TV and the national intranet, marginalising children without devices. Human-rights groups deem the prolonged restriction a breach of the right to information and expression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I only want to make a video call and go back [to Iran.] That is it,” — Iranian woman, Tehran
- “The only voice is the voice of the Iranian regime now, because they have cut the internet. They have shot our voices and cut our tongues,” — Iranian woman, border crossing
- “All of us received messages from the IRGC Intelligence Organization saying that you are under surveillance because you have gone online.” — Iranian citizen
- “The internet blockade in Iran will most likely never be fully lifted,” — Amir Rashidi, cybersecurity expert
What’s Next
NetBlocks reports authorities are testing a tiered-access model for select firms, while parliament debates expanding NIN bandwidth and funding distance-learning platforms. The continuation of the blackout beyond the ceasefire remains a concern among observers.
