In a dramatic turn of events, the Iranian populace experienced a significant disruption in internet access earlier this week, leading to what many are describing as a “near-total national internet blackout.” This unprecedented situation has raised numerous questions regarding the motives behind the shutdown and its implications for communication and information dissemination within the country.
As the situation unfolded, it became increasingly evident that the Iranian government had taken this drastic measure to safeguard against potential cyberattacks, particularly those attributed to external threats. The ongoing conflict with Israel has heightened concerns over cybersecurity, prompting officials to act swiftly to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, the spokesperson for the Iranian government, stated, “We have previously indicated that if necessary, we will transition to a national internet and limit access to the global network. Our primary focus is security, especially in light of the cyberattacks targeting our essential services and financial institutions.” This statement underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining control over information flow during a time of crisis.
It is imperative for the world to recognize the reality! The actions taken by the Israeli regime extend beyond mere aggression against Iran; they represent an assault on truth and human conscience.
Israel has imposed restrictions on foreign media coverage of missile strikes, subjecting reports to censorship.
What is the reason behind this? To conceal its transgressions: While…
— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) June 20, 2025
Mohajerani also highlighted recent cyber incidents, including attacks on financial institutions such as Bank Sepah and the cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex. These attacks were claimed by a group known as Predatory Sparrow, which has positioned itself as a pro-Israel hacktivist organization. This group has gained notoriety for successfully disrupting various services in Iran, including critical sectors like gas stations and manufacturing plants.
The ramifications of the internet shutdown are being felt acutely by ordinary Iranians, both within the country and abroad. Amir Rashidi, a cybersecurity expert, shared his personal experience, revealing that his family had to evacuate Tehran due to warnings of impending strikes. “I haven’t heard from them in two days, but someone is supposed to update me. I hope everything is okay,” he expressed, highlighting the dire communication breakdown that has ensued.
In addition to internet access, all forms of communication have been severely restricted, leaving families in distress. Attempts to make phone calls from abroad have proven futile, as the lines remain silent, replaced by automated messages.
Meanwhile, Nariman Gharib, an Iranian activist residing in the U.K., noted that only a small fraction of the population has managed to maintain internet access through the use of virtual private networks or by lucking into stable connections. “My friends are tech-savvy, so they can bypass the restrictions, but generally, it’s very difficult because we have a complete internet shutdown in the country,” he explained, emphasizing the challenges faced by those trying to stay connected.