TL;DR
A nationwide internet shutdown in Iran, in effect for roughly 36 hours, wiped out about 90% of traffic while allowing some government communications. Experts say the disruption is unusually targeted and may be sustainable for an extended period.
What happened
Iran imposed a sweeping internet blackout as authorities moved to suppress growing anti-government protests. Observers reported that roughly 90% of internet traffic to the country vanished and many domestic mobile users lost service and international calling routes. Satellite connectivity including Elon Musk’s Starlink was reportedly jammed in some neighbourhoods. Despite the blackout, Iran’s supreme leader continued to publish on X multiple times, and some government-linked Telegram channels remained reachable, suggesting selective access. Analysts Amir Rashidi and Doug Madory say Tehran appears to be using finer-grained censorship tools compared with earlier shutdowns, briefly allowing access to university sites before restoring restrictions. The shutdown follows a pattern of state-directed disconnections elsewhere — for example Egypt in 2011 and Afghanistan more recently — but experts describe Iran’s current measures as more sophisticated and potentially designed to be sustained.
Why it matters
- The selective nature of the blackout suggests authorities can maintain essential official communications while silencing public channels.
- A prolonged, targeted shutdown could limit protesters’ ability to organise and reduce information flow to international media and rights groups.
- Extending internet control into a more robust national model mirrors global moves toward state-managed digital ecosystems.
- Keeping most services offline while permitting a narrow set of sites reduces the immediate costs to government operations that total shutdowns impose.
Key facts
- Independent observers estimated about 90% of internet traffic to Iran disappeared after the blackout began.
- By the time of reporting the disruption had been in place for roughly 36 hours.
- Domestic mobile networks reportedly had no signal or service for many users and international calls appeared blocked.
- Satellite service from Starlink was reported to be jammed in parts of the country, with effects varying by neighbourhood.
- Iran’s supreme leader continued to post on X at least 12 times while much of the country was offline.
- Evidence points to selective whitelisting: some Telegram channels and briefly some university websites remained reachable.
- Experts say the current measures are more precise than Iran’s 2019 blackout and may allow a degraded-but-operational state internet.
- Analysts noted Iran has been working toward a China-style internal internet model that connects domestic users while limiting outside access.
What to watch next
- Whether the apparent whitelist of approved sites is formalised and expanded or rolled back.
- How long the authorities sustain the degraded internet state; analysts have warned the shutdown could last.
- Reports on the availability and effectiveness of satellite links such as Starlink across different cities and districts.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Internet blackout: A deliberate large-scale disruption or blocking of internet connectivity to prevent users from accessing online services.
- Whitelist: A list of approved websites or services that are allowed to operate while others are blocked.
- Starlink: A satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX intended to provide broadband connectivity from space.
- National intranet: A country-level network architecture that connects domestic users internally while limiting or blocking access to the global internet.
Reader FAQ
Why did Iran shut down the internet?
Authorities moved to restrict communications amid escalating anti-government protests, according to reporting and expert commentary.
How long will the blackout last?
Experts say it may be prolonged, but an exact duration is not confirmed in the source.
Can government officials still communicate online?
Yes — analysts observed that some government channels and officials retained access, indicating selective permitting of services.
Is satellite internet like Starlink working across Iran?
Sources reported Starlink was being jammed in some areas while being variably available in others.
View image in fullscreen People take part in a protest in Kermanshah in western Iran on 8 January. Photograph: Kamran/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images Iran Analysis Iran’s internet shutdown is chillingly…
Sources
- Iran's internet shutdown is chillingly precise and may last some time
- News Wrap: Internet and phone service shut off in Iran …
- What is happening in Iran? Internet blackout and Israel …
- Iran Is Cut Off From Internet as Protests Calling for Regime …
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