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Iran Internet Blackout Enters Day 33 Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions, Connectivity Falls to 1%

NetBlocks flags mounting technical risks as prolonged shutdown deepens digital isolation.

Iran Internet Blackout Enters Day 33 Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions, Connectivity Falls to 1%
Limited access persists for select groups, including some government officials, pro-establishment users and a small number of journalists
Image: Netblocks/X

Iran's near-total internet blackout has now stretched into its 33rd day, with connectivity to the global internet still hovering at under 1% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks.

The cybersecurity watchdog said authorities are intensifying restrictions, including a broader crackdown on satellite terminals, in an effort to eliminate the last remaining channels of communication with the outside world.

“Connectivity to the global internet is less than 1 percent of ordinary levels as authorities widen their crackdown on satellite terminals in a bid to eliminate remaining means of communication with the outside world,” NetBlocks said.

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Despite the widespread shutdown, limited access persists for select groups, including some government officials, pro-establishment users and a small number of journalists. Others are reportedly paying steep costs to regain partial connectivity.

In an update posted on X, NetBlocks said: “Metrics show #Iran's internet blackout has entered day 33 after 768 hours with connectivity observed at ~1% of ordinary levels, as authorities widen their crackdown on satellite terminals in a bid to eliminate remaining means of communication with the outside world.”

According to BBC, a small number of users have managed to get online through satellite services such as Starlink and other workarounds. However, access remains both costly and risky.

Reports indicate that in Iran, the use or possession of Starlink equipment can lead to prison sentences of up to two years, with enforcement tightening in recent weeks.

ALSO READ: TACO Again? 'Boots On Ground' To 'Swift End' — A Look At Trump's Flip-Flops On Iran War

NetBlocks also warned of mounting technical challenges as the blackout drags on. “Extended digital isolation is bringing new challenges for Iranians, from expired domains and accounts to unpatched servers on a degrading national intranet,” it said.

The organisation added that prolonged disruption could heighten cybersecurity risks and complicate efforts to restore full internet connectivity.

“As the shutdown continues into its second month, misinformation and propaganda increasingly fill the void both domestically and internationally,” NetBlocks said in a separate post.

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