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As geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, Iran has taken the drastic step of severely restricting access to the global internet, effectively isolating millions of its citizens from the outside world. This decision appears to be state-driven rather than the result of any direct Israeli attack on telecommunications infrastructure. The move mirrors past crackdowns during times of civil unrest, raising alarm bells among global digital rights advocates.
Iran Cuts the Cord: the Internet Blackout
On Tuesday, June 17, Iran experienced a dramatic nationwide internet disruption that began around 5:30 p.m. local time. Reports from internet monitoring organizations like Kentik and NetBlocks confirm that the sharp decline in connectivity was not the result of Israeli cyberattacks or physical strikes but rather a calculated decision by the Iranian government.
Cloudflare, a U.S.-based internet services provider, observed a sudden disconnection of two major Iranian mobile network operators. Particularly impacted were virtual private networks (VPNs), which many Iranians use to bypass censorship and access global platforms.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, a spokesperson for the Iranian government, acknowledged that the restrictions were a response to Israeli cyber offensives. However, critics argue the blackout is yet another method used by Tehran to control the flow of information and suppress dissent.
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Amid the blackout, Iranians found themselves cut off from major Western platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and even the app stores of Google and Apple. Amir Rashidi, digital rights director at the Miaan Group, described Iran’s efforts to block these tools as part of a larger campaign of digital repression. WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has reportedly been locked in a continual tug-of-war with Iranian authorities over access.
Notably, while access to the global internet was throttled, Iran’s National Information Network—an internal internet made up of government-approved websites—remained fully operational. This network has no external connectivity and is seen as a tool for state surveillance and censorship.
As the clampdown continues, there have been renewed public calls for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service to help restore independent internet access in Iran, similar to its emergency deployments in Ukraine and other crisis-hit regions.
What Undercode Say:
Iran’s internet blackout amid intensifying conflict with Israel is a stark reminder of how digital infrastructure has become both a battlefield and a shield in modern warfare. Unlike traditional military aggression, the digital front enables regimes to subtly impose authoritarian control while avoiding the optics of physical violence.
The Iranian government’s justification—citing Israeli cyberattacks—might hold some technical merit, but the breadth and depth of the shutdown suggest a more internal motive. This is not simply a response to foreign threats; it’s a preemptive move to suppress domestic unrest, stifle dissent, and maintain narrative control.
Historically, Iran has demonstrated a pattern: when domestic pressure mounts or foreign conflicts intensify, the first casualty is always open communication. By disabling VPNs and access to global platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, the state effectively strangles citizen journalism, grassroots activism, and even basic access to global information.
The preservation of the National Information Network is especially telling. While Iranians are cut off from the global internet, they’re nudged toward state-approved content and monitoring—a classic walled garden strategy used by digital autocracies. It’s China’s Great Firewall, Iranian edition.
Blocking app stores adds another layer of information lockdown. By doing so, Iran isn’t just disrupting communication but also stifling access to tools that could enable circumvention, organization, or even safe digital behavior.
This move also highlights the fragility of centralized internet systems in authoritarian regimes. The fact that people are turning to Elon Musk’s Starlink shows both the desperation and ingenuity of citizens under digital siege. Starlink is increasingly seen not just as a technological innovation, but as a geopolitical instrument capable of restoring communication where authoritarianism seeks silence.
Finally, the response from Meta, characterizing their interaction with Iran as a “cat-and-mouse” game, is emblematic of a larger issue: Big Tech companies are now central players in global politics. Their tools can empower protestors or be hijacked by regimes. Either way, neutrality is no longer an option.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ Verified: Internet shutdown occurred at 5:30 p.m. local time per Kentik and NetBlocks.
✅ Verified: Two Iranian mobile providers were disconnected according to Cloudflare.
❌ Not Confirmed:
📊 Prediction:
If the internet blackout continues, Iran is likely to see a resurgence of underground digital networks, including mesh networks and peer-to-peer applications. Additionally, external players like Musk’s Starlink may be invited or forced to make public choices regarding support. In the long term, digital repression will fuel greater resistance and ingenuity among Iranian citizens—making future shutdowns less effective and more politically costly.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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