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Iran Faces Near-Total Internet Blackout as Conflict With Israel Deepens

Government cites “special conditions” to prevent “enemy abuse,” driving growth in VPN services, domestic intranet access, underground messaging channels, community-run data networks.

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Smoke rises from the rubble of an Iranian state media building in Tehran after an Israeli airstrike on June 16, 2025. (Image: MINA/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • NetBlocks, Cloudflare and IODA data show Iran’s web traffic is approximately 97% below normal levels after successive outages since June 13.
  • The Iranian Ministry of Communications announced temporary restrictions on international internet connections under “special conditions” to block perceived enemy interference.
  • Mobile and landline networks are failing nationwide, hindering civilians’ ability to request aid, access medical advice and stay in touch with relatives.
  • Authorities are promoting the National Information Network and domestic apps that often lack robust privacy and security protections.
  • Iranians are adapting with makeshift VPN setups, local intranet workarounds and volunteer-led services to share safety updates, find supplies and offer medical consultations.