Iran’s internet blackout fuels fear and isolation
Iran’s Internet Shutdown Sparks Anxiety and Disconnection
Amid ongoing assaults from Israeli and U.S. forces, Tehran has been plunged into a digital silence as the government enforces a total internet blockage. Citizens express that the confusion over family members’ safety and the unfolding events has reached a point of near-physical distress. On Thursday night, the Iranian capital endured intense aerial bombardments, with residents witnessing low-flying jets and significant detonations. By early Friday, the Israeli military claimed it had launched a broad attack on the “core of Tehran,” focusing on critical facilities linked to the Iranian government.
President Donald Trump had previously delayed potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, contingent on Tehran lifting its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has stationed thousands of troops in the Middle East, with a ground invasion not yet dismissed. Meanwhile, Iran asserted it had retaliated by launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli locations and U.S. bases in the Gulf region. Iranian state TV declared the nation close to overcoming its adversaries and concluding the conflict.
Loss of Trust in State Media
Public sentiment has shifted significantly, with many Iranians no longer relying on state-controlled news. A survey by the Iranian Students Polling Agency revealed that prior to the June 2025 Twelve-Day War, only 12.5% of respondents trusted IRIB for news, compared to 51% in 2017. Despite a 50% budget boost in March 2025, the broadcaster has failed to recover its former credibility.
Information now flows through alternative channels, including international Persian-language platforms, other state outlets, and social media. Instagram, in particular, has amassed around 24 million users in Iran. While these services are officially restricted, users resort to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the ban. A VPN creates an encrypted link between a device and a distant server, enabling access to the global web.
Internet Cutoff and Its Impact
Since the conflict with the U.S.-Israel alliance began on February 28, Iranian authorities have reinstated the nationwide internet shutdown. Even VPNs require satellite connections, such as Starlink, which are also prohibited. These services are costly, with prices reaching up to ten times the usual rate. The Ministry of Intelligence reports that hundreds of Starlink devices have been identified and seized across the country.
“We no longer watch state TV, and I know of few who still do,” noted a Tehran resident in a group chat. “They only share content favorable to their own agenda.”
Internet analyst Keyvan Samadi explained to DW how authorities monitor such systems. He highlighted that Starlink units emit signals to connect with satellites, which can be tracked using specialized tools. Radio triangulation helps approximate their locations, leading to numerous arrests since the war began. The exact number of active banned systems remains unclear, though those within Iran confirmed that VPNs are still accessible, albeit at steep costs.
Many endure financial strain due to the war and shuttered businesses, yet they continue to pay extra for access to information. Respondents shared that the combination of physical attacks and digital restrictions has intensified psychological pressure, as communication with relatives has been severed. The uncertainty of their loved ones’ fates has been described as almost intolerable.
