Tehran, April 11, 2026 Iran’s population has now endured 1,000 hours without access to the global internet, as the government’s near-total blackout enters its sixth week. Since February 28, 2026, Iranian authorities have severed most citizens’ connections to the global internet, forcing 90 million people to rely on a heavily restricted internal network with state-approved content. Only a select few within the military and power apparatus retain unfettered access, according to corroborated reports.
The prolonged disruption has crippled communication, commerce, and access to independent news, with Iranian media resorting to publishing updates on blocked platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) to bypass censorship.
Government Restrictions and Internal Network
The Iranian government’s decision to cut off internet access followed weeks of escalating controls, though officials have not publicly explained the rationale. The move leaves citizens dependent on the National Information Network (NIN), a state-run intranet that filters content deemed acceptable by authorities.
Analysts note that the NIN severely limits access to international websites, social media, and messaging apps, effectively isolating Iranians from global discourse. Despite the blocks, some media outlets continue to share news on platforms like Telegram, using virtual private networks (VPNs) or other workarounds to reach audiences.