Iran is currently experiencing one of the longest nationwide internet shutdowns in history, with 92 million Iranians being completely blocked from accessing the internet for over a week. This drastic measure was implemented by Iran’s leadership in response to massive anti-government protests that have been ongoing since the end of last year. The protests have sparked a brutal crackdown from authorities, leading to a deadly situation in the country.
According to experts, the current internet shutdown in Iran has lasted for more than 170 hours, making it the third longest shutdown on record. Previous shutdowns in the country lasted around 163 hours in 2019 and 160 hours in 2025. NetBlocks, a web monitoring company, has highlighted that Iran’s shutdowns are among the most comprehensive and tightly enforced nationwide blackouts observed.
Zach Rosson, a researcher at Access Now, a digital rights nonprofit, predicts that the ongoing shutdown in Iran is on track to become one of the top 10 longest shutdowns in history. The Iranian government has a history of blocking internet access during times of protest and civil unrest, making it challenging to monitor the situation from outside the country.
Despite the internet blackout, a small number of Iranians have managed to connect to the internet using Starlink terminals smuggled into the country. The Biden administration had previously granted exemptions to U.S. sanctions against Iran to support internet freedom, allowing tech companies to provide connectivity to Iranians for free. However, Iranian authorities have cracked down on Starlink users, making it illegal to own a Starlink terminal and confiscating devices.
In response to the ongoing crisis in Iran, President Donald Trump has threatened military intervention if violence continues. The U.S. military has also redirected a naval strike group to the Middle East amid rising tensions. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has closed its embassy in Tehran and evacuated its staff, while Iran has temporarily closed off its airspace.
The situation in Iran remains tense, with uncertainty surrounding the future of the protests and the government’s response. The internet shutdown has severely restricted communication and access to information for millions of Iranians, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking to express dissent in the country.
