Iran’s internet shutdown leaves millions offline

The nationwide internet shutdown in Iran continues, as authorities tighten control over digital life.

By World Israel News Staff

Nearly two months after a total internet shutdown imposed by the Islamic regime following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, the vast majority of Iranians remain disconnected from the global web.

Only a small segment of the population has been granted access to a highly restricted, government-controlled intranet with limited functionality.

Citing national security concerns, Iranian authorities blocked internet access for the country’s roughly 90 million people in a sweeping move that began in late February. The shutdown followed earlier, targeted blackouts introduced during mass protests in January.

Amid growing pressure, the regime has begun offering select users access to a service called Internet Pro, a state-regulated platform available to certain businesses, schools, and industries.

Users of Internet Pro are unable to access major social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram — tools widely used by Iranians to communicate with the outside world. The AI service ChatGPT is also blocked. However, its Chinese counterpart, DeepSeek, is reportedly accessible..

Critics say presenting Internet Pro as a viable alternative to open internet access is misleading.

“This is ridiculous and unacceptable because all groups in society, for any reason, need and deserve access to the internet,” a young woman in Tehran told Al Jazeera.

“This move excludes most people who lack the connections needed to gain access, including the elderly, and it effectively prolongs the shutdown,” she added.

According to two sources cited by Al Jazeera, the Iranian government has also implemented new infrastructure changes designed to further strengthen its control over online activity nationwide. These measures are intended to enhance surveillance capabilities and restrict access even more tightly.

Meanwhile, Iranians seeking unrestricted internet access continue to engage in a digital cat-and-mouse game with authorities. Many rely on VPNs and techniques such as SNI spoofing to bypass censorship, but these workarounds are often short-lived. The government frequently identifies and blocks these methods, forcing users to continually search for new ways to reconnect with the outside world.