The Iranian government has imposed a nationwide internet blackout that has lasted approximately 70 days [1].
This shutdown represents the most severe and longest disconnection in the country's history. It isolates the population from global information and disrupts the domestic economy during a period of active conflict between Iran and the U.S. and Israel.
The government initiated the blackout in early March 2026 to control the flow of information as part of its response to the war [1], [2]. According to reports, 99% of Iranians are currently offline [1].
Despite the restrictions, a small group of citizens has managed to maintain connectivity. These users utilize satellite links and a system known as the "white internet" to bypass government blocks [1].
"We've been able to stay connected using satellite links and what we call the ‘white internet,’" an anonymous Iranian internet user said [1].
The economic consequences of the blackout are widespread. An economic analyst said the shutdown threatens millions of jobs and could cripple the Iranian economy [3]. The loss of connectivity has specifically targeted those who rely on digital marketplaces for survival.
"The blackout has destroyed our livelihoods; we can no longer sell our classes or products online," an editor at a Tehran publishing house said [4].
While some sources describe the duration as about 70 days [1], others state the blackout has lasted nearly three months [3]. The disconnect continues to isolate the Islamic Republic from the rest of the world.
“The Iranian government has imposed a nationwide internet blackout that has lasted approximately 70 days.”
The scale of this blackout indicates a total state effort to achieve information dominance during wartime. By cutting off 99% of the population, the government is not only limiting foreign influence but also preventing internal coordination. However, the persistence of 'white internet' users suggests that the state cannot fully eliminate digital leaks, creating a tiered society where only a privileged or technically skilled few have access to external reality.
