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Iran Faces 240-Hour Internet Blackout in 2026, Among Worst Globally

Iran has endured 240 hours of nationwide internet blackout since the start of 2026, marking one of the most severe government-imposed shutdowns globally. The cybersecurity monitor Netblocks reports connectivity has been at just 1% of ordinary levels, effectively silencing around 90 million Iranians. This blackout, now in its tenth day, is the country's second longest, following a major shutdown during the January protests. The report highlights how such digital censorship is used to control information flow amid intensifying regional hostilities.

Key Points: Iran Internet Blackout 2026: 240 Hours Offline, Netblocks Report

  • 240 hours of blackout in 2026
  • Connectivity at 1% of normal levels
  • Second longest shutdown in Iran's history
  • 90 million citizens cut off
  • Shutdowns used during protests
2 min read

Iran spent one-third of 2026 in internet blackout: Report

Iran spent a third of 2026 in a state-imposed internet blackout, silencing 90 million people amid regional hostilities, says Netblocks.

"Iran's internet blackout is now among the most severe government-imposed nationwide internet shutdowns on record globally - Netblocks"

Tehran, March 10

Amid continued strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, people in the country are facing near-total internet blackouts. The country on Tuesday, since the beginning of 2026, witnessed a total of 240 hours of internet blackouts, making it the most severe government shutdown, as per cybersecurity and digital governance think tank Netblocks.

Iran spent a third of 2026 in blackouts, the internet freedom monitor Netblocks said.

In a post on X, it said, "Update: At 240 hours, Iran's internet blackout is now among the most severe government-imposed nationwide internet shutdowns on record globally, and the second longest registered in Iran after the January protests, with the country having spent a third of 2026 offline."

Earlier on March 9, Netblocks stated that Iran's blackout entered its 10th day.

"Update: Iran's internet blackout has entered its tenth day with connectivity at 1% of ordinary levels after the 216th hour. As regional hostilities intensify, some 90 million Iranians are silenced and cut off from the global internet under a state-imposed shutdown."

On January 8, during the massive protests in the nation, in an attempt to dampen the protests, the Khamenei regime shutdown internet throughout the country, blocking all access to the country. "As Iran wakes up to a new day, metrics show the national internet blackout is past the 84-hour mark. Years of digital censorship research point to these workarounds," Netblocks posted then on X.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin, who yesterday held a call with US President Donald Trump, has offered different options to mediate and reduce tensions in the war, as per Al Jazeera.

Speaking to reporters, spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to offer details on the specifics of the "considerations" that Putin raised on the call, but said these proposals are still on the table. Russia is ready to provide any help it can to reduce the tensions in West Asia, Peskov said according to Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A third of the year offline! This shows how fragile digital freedom can be. While the geopolitical situation is complex, silencing your own citizens is never the answer. Hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
A
Aman W
The report mentions Putin offering to mediate. Honestly, with the US, Israel, and Iran involved, we need someone to de-escalate. The region can't afford more instability; it affects global oil prices and our economy too.
S
Sarah B
While the blackout is terrible, I have to respectfully point out that the article's focus is a bit narrow. It jumps from internet shutdowns to Putin's call without much connective tissue on *why* the blackouts are happening amidst the strikes. More context would help.
V
Vikram M
️ Imagine if our government did this during the farmers' protests or CAA debates. There would be an uproar. It's a stark reminder of the importance of net neutrality and digital rights. We must protect ours.
K
Karthik V
The human cost is immense. Students can't study, businesses are ruined, families can't communicate. War and geopolitics aside, the common man always pays the price. Very sad situation.

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