Iranians Risk Arrest at Iraq Border to Escape Tehran’s Internet Blackout

Since Tehran imposed an internet blackout, residents of Baneh (?100 000) and Sardasht (?50 000) have begun crossing into Iraq’s Kurdistan region or gathering at frontier points, using Iraqi SIM cards from Korek and Asiacell for connectivity, despite detention.

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The Iranian authorities cite security concerns and cyber warfare as reasons for the blackout, criminalising VPNs, Starlink terminals and circumvention tools, thereby isolating tens of millions from news and communications.

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The Iran-Iraq border spans 1 600 km; Baneh sits 30 km from crossing. Iraqi SIM cards from Korek and Asiacell reach the frontier. Over 50 were arrested at an internet site, ten detained. Losses are $30-40 million (chamber) or 600 billion tomans (ministry).

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The Communications ministry warned that using Iraqi SIM cards or approaching border would trigger a response. It reported losses of 600 billion tomans and said 10 million rely on internet. Detainees were released after pledges.

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Residents say the blackout severs access to news, cripples trade, and endangers lives, citing death of a Tehran businessman detained over Starlink use. Cost of internet options and criminalisation of VPNs fuel resentment.

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Residents wipe phones and laptops before crossing, use Iraqi SIM cards for calls, and gather at a Wi-Fi shack 3-4 km from Baneh. Raid on site led to arrests and heightened caution.

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Ministry reports losses of 600 billion tomans, while Afshin Kalahi, head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce’s economy commission, estimates $30-40 million per day, showing divergent accounting. Numbers of arrests and hub users remain unverified.

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• “After the war began, the internet in Iran was completely shut down and practically no communication existed between inside and outside the country,” — Baneh resident, anonymous

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• “These SIM cards have some coverage in Iran's border areas, and the closer you get to the frontier, the better the connection. For that reason, traders and people who wanted to inform family members abroad about their situation used them to connect to the internet,” — Baneh resident

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• “They raided the area, arrested more than 50 people and confiscated their mobile phones,” — Baneh resident

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• “Many of us did not know during the war what was happening or what fate awaited us. That is why some people tried to use this method to gain access to the free flow of information,” — Sardasht resident

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• “At the moment, because of security sensitivities, people avoid some border crossings, and many of those travelling between Iran and the Kurdistan region wipe their mobile phones and laptops to avoid arrest or being accused of collaborating with Israel and the US,” — witness

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Authorities have not announced a timeline for restoring internet service. Border residents continue to seek informal connections, while human-rights groups monitor arrests and the economic toll, awaiting policy shift from Tehran.

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