Iran Experiences Near-Total Internet Blackout Amid Israel Conflict

As the Israel-Iran conflict reaches its second week, most Iranians remain in a near-total internet blackout, severing communication with the outside world and even within their own country. This digital shutdown has left civilians unaware of potential Israeli strikes and unable to confirm the safety of family and friends, fueling panic and misinformation. Digital rights activists characterize the blackout as psychological warfare, with the Iranian regime aiming to tightly control information and suppress dissent amid the deadly conflict that began with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran, while Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel have resulted in at least 24 Israeli deaths. Iranian state media provides limited casualty information, focusing instead on attacks against Israel, contrasting with Israel's continuous public updates, creating an uneven global understanding of the war’s human toll. Despite Iran’s promises of media transparency through planned press tours, skepticism remains given its record on press freedom and journalist imprisonment.