Iran is once again edging toward a widespread internet shutdown, triggering alarm among users and raising pressing questions about the regime’s intentions. According to NetBlocks, access to international internet has virtually collapsed, with traffic plunging by around 75 percent since the evening of June 15, following limits imposed by the Ministry of Communications.
Official Explanation vs. Public Suspicion
State media outlets have reported that “Internet across the country has experienced widespread disruptions” and that users are increasingly forced to rely on the domestic intranet. Fatemeh Mohajerani, government spokesperson, defended the throttling, attributing it to “cyberattacks by enemies,” and emphasized that the slowdown is “temporary,” aimed at protecting network stability and security.
Lingering Fears of an Imminent Shutdown
Netizens across Iran are reacting with growing frustration. Complaints about sluggish speeds and regional outages have gone viral on Telegram and other platforms, where rumors of an impending total blackout are circulating. “The uncertainty is unbearable; one moment you have some access, the next you’re completely offline,” wrote one Tehran-based social media user. The atmosphere is tense, as users await confirmation—or denial—of an imminent clampdown.
Leaked communication, written and signed by the #Iranian regime's Supreme Leader Khamenei, sheds light on his determination to revise his regime’s approach toward the #internet.https://t.co/o6T92wFZFp
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 19, 2023
A Troubled History of Internet Closures
This is far from the first time Iran has resorted to harsh network restrictions. During the nationwide protests in 2019, 2021, and most recently in 2022, the regime implemented full internet shutdowns to thwart communication among demonstrators and to isolate protest hotspots. Today’s restrictions are widely seen as laying the groundwork for another shutdown—preventative measures to limit information flow during a potentially explosive moment.
Security vs. Silencing Dissent
Officials cite cybersecurity threats as justification. As Mohajerani claimed, it’s “a controlled, targeted, and technical measure” to defend critical infrastructure under attack. But critics argue this is a thin disguise for political repression. They point to the regime’s history of deploying online shutdowns to curb dissent and manage the narrative during crises. Analysts warn that under the guise of “security,” the government is once again preparing to gag the internet and deepen its censorship regime.
Former MOIS Interrogator Warns Against #MEK Influence in #Iran, Calls for Internet Restrictionshttps://t.co/FKQS8AGR8F
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 10, 2024
What’s Next?
- Will international access be cut completely? Observers are watching key internet nodes and global routing—especially VPN traffic—for signs of further restriction.
- How will citizens adapt? With growing rumors of an impending blackout, many Iranians are scrambling to find alternatives. Satellite-based services like Starlink are being discussed online and through word of mouth as potential lifelines. But access remains heavily restricted, and for most people, the high cost and legal prohibitions make it an unattainable option.
- Will global watchdogs intervene? Human rights organizations and digital freedom advocates have consistently called for international scrutiny and swift response when governments restrict internet access.
Summary:
As tensions rise in Tehran, the Iranian regime is slipping into its familiar playbook of throttling internet access—justified by cyber-threats but regarded by critics as a prelude to shutting down the global web. For a population already on edge, the line between “protected network” and “information prison” has grown perilously thin.