By Pishtaz | 2026-05-11

Iran’s ongoing internet blackout, imposed by the Islamic Republic regime, stands among the most severe and prolonged digital shutdowns ever recorded globally.

As the disruption entered its 70th consecutive day, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref called for "fair and equal access" to the internet.

This statement underscores a stark contradiction between official rhetoric and a deliberate policy designed to restrict information and silence public dissent nationwide.

The blackout, intensified in late February 2026, has reduced national connectivity to between 1% and 4% of normal levels.

The economic consequences have been severe, with estimated losses reaching $1.8 billion by mid-April across multiple sectors and industries.

Small businesses, freelancers, and digital platforms have absorbed the heaviest impact, as connectivity restrictions dismantle already fragile economic activity nationwide.

Reports suggest the regime has issued special mobile SIM cards, known as "White SIM cards," to government-linked individuals and security-aligned media figures.

These SIMs reportedly provide unrestricted global internet access without VPNs or the filtering limitations imposed on the general population.

Beyond domestic control, threats targeting subsea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz raise serious concerns about broader regional disruptions.

These cables carry over 95% of regional data traffic, making any potential attack a significant risk to global communications stability.

Millions remain cut off from independent news, global platforms, and even basic contact with family members living outside the country.

This prolonged blackout reflects a calculated strategy of digital control, imposing economic damage while restricting freedoms and threatening wider communications infrastructure stability.