Iran internet drops to 4% amid US-Israeli strikes

Iran internet blackout: near-total nationwide cutoff reported

Internet access in iran has been almost completely cut off. Based on network data cited by Forbes, national connectivity has fallen to roughly 4%, indicating a near-total internet shutdown.

As reported by BBC, some residents have still managed to share accounts from inside the country despite an almost total internet blackout. These fragments offer limited situational visibility amid sweeping communication restrictions.

Why it matters: rights, safety, and access to information

ARTICLE 19 has characterized the shutdown as a direct risk to civic engagement and public safety, arguing that intentional disruptions to phone and mobile internet violate core human rights obligations. The group calls for immediate, unconditional restoration of connectivity and a halt to intentional interference.

Large-scale internet disruption undermines freedom of expression and assembly, restricts access to life-saving information, and hinders documentation of alleged abuses. It also impairs crisis response by slowing coordination among journalists, civil society, and emergency services.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported a near-total blackout as military strikes unfolded, noting that the shutdown has severely hampered digital connectivity nationwide. In practice, common social platforms and messaging services are widely inaccessible or unreliable, intensifying isolation.

With independent reporting constrained, verification becomes harder. Responsible assessments emphasize corroborating time stamps, geolocation details visible in footage, and cross-referencing with multiple credible outlets before drawing conclusions.

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International responses and accountability calls

Human Rights Watch and allied NGOs

The watchdog has linked the country-wide internet blackout beginning January 8 to a broader crackdown and urged UN member states to press for restoration and accountability. Allied NGOs, including Amnesty International, describe the measure as deliberate and rights-violating.

“Since January 8 … authorities have imposed a country-wide internet blackout, which has … severely restricted communications,” said Philippe Bolopion, Executive Director at Human Rights Watch.

Freedom Online Coalition governments’ joint statement

On February 4, the coalition issued a joint statement by multiple governments asserting that the near-total shutdown beginning January 8 violated freedoms of expression and assembly, and calling for immediate, unconditional restoration of services and accountability for abuses.

FAQ about Iran internet blackout

How widespread is the Iran internet blackout and which platforms or services are affected?

Reports describe a near-total nationwide disruption, with connectivity reduced to single-digit levels and widespread inaccessibility of major social networks and messaging services.

What do Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say about the shutdown and alleged abuses?

They describe a deliberate, rights-violating blackout used to conceal abuses, and urge immediate restoration of communications alongside independent investigations and accountability mechanisms.