Iran imposed a near-total internet blackout following US and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, slashing connectivity to 4% of normal levels. Reporters inside the country now rely on satellite links, smuggled devices, and citizen footage to bypass restrictions and share news with the world. NetBlocks confirmed the nationwide disruption, which echoes earlier outages during January protests.
Authorities cut mobile, fixed-line, and National Information Network services across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Kermanshah. The move aims to control information amid escalating tensions, following a pattern seen in the 2025-2026 protests that began on January 8.
Timeline of Disruptions
The initial total internet blackout started on January 8 amid deadly protests, with telephone and internet services collapsing nationwide. By mid-January, connectivity hovered at 2%, and GPS jamming caused up to 80% packet loss for Starlink users. A brief relaxation came on January 28 under a whitelist system for approved sites, but restrictions persisted. The February 28 strikes triggered the latest shutdown, entering its fourth day by March 2, with traffic at 1%.
Government officials cited security and cyberattacks, with no firm restoration timeline; access to international sites remains blocked until at least late March. Daily economic losses hit $35.7 million to $37 million, per state media and NetBlocks.
Journalist Workarounds
Reporters use encrypted apps like Signal, Psiphon VPNs shared by 400,000 Iranians abroad, and covert Starlink terminals. The US under President Trump smuggled thousands of devices into Iran, while hackers briefly hijacked state TV on January 19 to air pro-exile messages. Satellite imagery from Maxar and Planet Labs fills gaps, as human rights groups decry the cuts as cover for protest crackdowns.
No specific journalist names or arrests tied directly to the February event in primary reports, but broader detentions occurred during January unrest.
US Market and Policy Impact
Iran’s 3% share of global oil supply puts energy markets on edge; Brent crude rose post-strikes amid Strait of Hormuz risks. US firms face clouded visibility into sanctions enforcement and trade routes. Tech companies like SpaceX see Starlink’s role grow, piercing Tehran’s controls despite jamming.
Iran eyes “Absolute Digital Isolation” with permanent blocks on foreign platforms, per Filterwatch reports. Partial access may return post-New Year, but exiles and monitors expect prolonged curbs. Western outlets will lean on smuggled feeds and orbital data until full connectivity resumes
