Iran Achieves Record for Longest Nationwide Internet Blackout During Ongoing Conflict

Synopsis

Iran is facing an unprecedented nationwide internet blackout that has now stretched beyond five weeks, making it the longest on record. This situation arises amid escalating conflicts involving the US and Israel, affecting citizens' communications severely.

Key Takeaways

Longest Internet Blackout: Iran's blackout has surpassed 864 hours.

Severe Isolation: Citizens are cut off from global communication.

Military Context: The blackout coincides with US and Israeli military actions.

Limited Access: Authorities have restricted alternative communication methods.

Humanitarian Impact: Families are unable to contact loved ones during critical times.

New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) The internet blackout in Iran, initiated after a joint military operation by the US and Israel targeting Tehran, has now lasted for five weeks, marking it as the longest recorded nationwide internet shutdown, according to digital monitoring organization NetBlocks.

In a recent update shared on the social media platform X, NetBlocks noted that the blackout has persisted for 37 straight days, totaling over 864 hours, thus surpassing all prior incidents in duration and scope.

NetBlocks stated, “Iran’s internet blackout is now the longest national-scale internet shutdown globally, exceeding the severity of all comparable events and having reached its 37th consecutive day following 864 hours.”

The blackout began on February 28, effectively severing the general populace's connection to the global internet, while authorities experiment with a tiered whitelisting system that allows selective access.

While other nations have experienced intermittent or region-specific internet outages—such as Myanmar, Sudan, Kashmir, and Tigray—none have undergone a complete national disconnect for such an extended period after having had regular internet access.

In contrast, countries like North Korea have never been connected to the global internet and remain isolated, but they were never online to start with.

This blackout coincides with ongoing missile and drone strikes by the US and Israel against Iranian targets.

In retaliation, Tehran has conducted strikes on US and Israeli installations in nearby Gulf nations.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Iranian authorities have also limited alternative access methods, including satellite connections and VPNs, leaving citizens with few reliable options for communication.

NetBlocks has emphasized the humanitarian impact of the blackout, indicating that families are unable to reach their loved ones during this critical period.

Despite these ongoing challenges, there are no indications of de-escalation, and the Iranian government has not provided a timeline for restoring full internet access.

Point of View

It is imperative to highlight the severe implications of Iran's ongoing internet blackout amidst military tensions. This unprecedented situation affects millions, raising concerns about communication and human rights during a critical time. The international community must pay attention to these developments.

NationPress

17 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the internet blackout in Iran?

The internet blackout in Iran was triggered by a joint US-Israel military operation targeting Tehran.

How long has the blackout lasted?

As of now, the blackout has lasted for 37 consecutive days, making it the longest nationwide internet shutdown recorded.

What is the impact of the blackout on Iranian citizens?

The blackout has isolated citizens from global communication, hindering their ability to connect with family and access vital information.

Have other countries experienced similar internet shutdowns?

Yes, other countries have faced regional or intermittent shutdowns, but none have had a complete national disconnect for this duration.

Will the Iranian government restore internet access soon?