NetBlocks reports one of the world’s most severe connectivity disruptions as authorities restrict access while promising limited connections for selected users.
A new report by the global internet monitoring organization NetBlocks indicates that Iran has experienced one of the most severe internet disruptions in the world in 2026, with citizens spending nearly one-third of the year without access to the global internet.
According to the organization’s findings, widespread connectivity restrictions have left much of the country disconnected for extended periods. NetBlocks reports that the cumulative duration of internet shutdowns in Iran has exceeded 240 hours so far this year. At present, ordinary users inside the country are estimated to have access to only about one percent of normal global internet connectivity.
Such prolonged outages place Iran among the most extreme cases of government-imposed internet shutdowns recorded globally, raising concerns about information access and digital freedoms.
Government Response and Selective Access
Amid the continuing disruption, Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian, acknowledged the situation while suggesting that the government is considering limited measures to allow internet access for certain individuals.
Mohajerani stated that authorities are exploring ways to provide connectivity for people who, in her words, “can carry the voice to the world.” She did not clarify who these individuals are or what criteria would determine their eligibility.
At the same time, she emphasized that there are “considerations” surrounding the issue, noting that the matter is both under review and the subject of ongoing public demands.
Shutdown Linked to Ongoing Conflict
Reports indicate that the current wave of internet restrictions began on February 27, shortly after the outbreak of hostilities linked to the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran. Since then, connectivity has remained severely limited across large parts of the country.
During brief moments when some users have managed to reconnect to the internet, many have reported that the majority of people inside Iran remain largely unaware of major developments due to the widespread blackout.
Information Vacuum Inside the Country
According to accounts shared by Iranian users, the shutdown has created a significant information vacuum. With independent communication channels restricted, many citizens have been left relying primarily on state-run media outlets for updates.
Critics say this environment has effectively confined public access to information largely shaped by official narratives and propaganda, making it difficult for citizens to obtain a clear and comprehensive picture of the country’s current situation.
The prolonged disruption of digital communications underscores the central role internet access now plays in the flow of information and public awareness. As the blackout continues, questions remain about how long the restrictions will persist and what impact they will have on Iranian society’s ability to remain informed about events unfolding both inside and outside the country.
