Iran's months-long internet blackout, imposed after the start of the war with the US and Israel in February, has ended, restoring access to the outside world for most Iranians.
Iranian writer Hamid Asefi and others report severe beatings, torture, and deaths in custody following arrests amid a wider crackdown. Detainees describe physical abuse, starvation, mock executions, and sexual assault, with rights groups documenting widespread ill-treatment.
After 88 days, Iran's internet blackout was partially lifted, but users met the restoration with skepticism, anger, and anxiety, highlighting ongoing restrictions, economic hardships, and trauma from recent protests and war.
Iran's internet blackout has lasted 87 days, with only a few citizens accessing expensive VPNs. This occurs as a US-Iran framework deal is reportedly 95% complete, despite ongoing disputes over nuclear materials and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's 82-day internet blackout has cost the economy over $1 billion. A tiered access system, 'white internet' and 'Internet Pro,' has emerged, with critics alleging it grants officials and professionals access while restricting ordinary citizens.
A clandestine network is smuggling Starlink satellite internet devices into Iran, where using the technology is illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The operation, funded by Iranians abroad, aims to bypass a national internet blackout that began after US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Human rights organizations estimate at least 50,000 terminals are now in Iran, with at least 100 people arrested for possession.
Iran's nationwide internet blackout has surpassed 59 days, marking the longest recorded internet shutdown globally, according to monitoring service NetBlocks.
Iran's internet connectivity has been severed for 56 days, marking the longest nationwide blackout ever recorded globally with over 1,320 hours of disconnection. The blackout coincides with the aftermath of US-Israel operations launched February 28, which killed 3,375 Iranians over 40 days. Despite Trump's April 21 announcement extending the ceasefire, Tehran has rejected the unilateral extension and prioritizes its own interests.
The shutdown is the longest nationwide blackout ever recorded globally
Iranians are traveling to Turkey to access the global internet, as the Iranian government has implemented a near-total blackout following recent military strikes. Citizens report being unable to communicate with family or access critical information.
Iran's internet blackout and restrictions on satellite imagery by commercial providers are making it harder for investigators and journalists to verify events during the ongoing conflict, echoing a broader global trend of governments controlling war narratives.
