Iran Restores Internet After Two-Week Blackout
Blackout began amid strikes with Israel
The blackout was first announced on June 13 by Iranian telecom officials, citing national security concerns. Authorities said the shutdown aimed to prevent alleged cyber misuse by Israel and stop what they called a spread of disinformation.
Following the announcement, internet traffic in the country dropped by nearly half and became nearly nonexistent over the next few days, according to global digital watchdog NetBlocks.
Public services and daily life affected
While internet restrictions aren't new in Iran, this recent disruption hit harder. Access to mobile banking, communication apps, and even emergency information was severely affected.
'The blackout may have bought the government time during military tensions, but it also caused massive frustration,' said a cybersecurity analyst. 'It cut off people from basic services and contact with their loved ones.'
Experts say it was also about control
Beyond national security concerns, analysts believe the move was also aimed at silencing dissent and controlling the narrative. With no internet, the public had limited access to battlefield updates, social media, or outside news.
'It wasn't just about Israel,' one expert said. 'It was also about suppressing unrest and hiding internal losses.'
Starlink enters the conversation
Shortly after the blackout began, Elon Musk revealed that Starlink, his satellite internet service, had been activated for Iran. While not officially licensed there, people with the right equipment could potentially bypass restrictions.
Cyber tension remains high
Even as internet access returns, tensions in cyberspace are still rising. The US has warned of potential Iranian-linked cyberattacks on American networks, especially from groups tied to the Iranian state.
GPS disruptions have also been reported, with smartphones in various countries showing wrong time zones or map data—another layer of the digital fallout from the conflict.
The bottom line
Iran's internet blackout was more than just a security move—it became a national inconvenience, a tool for control, and a trigger for public anger. While access is coming back, the digital scars of the shutdown are likely to linger.
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