Iran warns its citizens against connecting to the global internet

Friday, March, 6 2026 - Internet connectivity across Iran has dropped to around one percent of normal levels, according to monitoring group NetBlocks, leaving most residents unable to access basic online services, communication platforms, or navigation tools.

The disruption comes after Iran shut down much of its internet infrastructure following air strikes launched by Israel and the United States, which have continued for several days. Those who managed to bypass the restrictions using VPNs reported receiving warning messages on their phones threatening further action if they continued connecting to the global internet.

“If you repeatedly connect to the international internet in the coming days, your line will be blocked and the necessary measures will be taken to refer your case to the judicial authorities,” the message said.

A resident in Tehran told AFP that internet speeds had become extremely slow, making normal communication almost impossible. “The internet speed is very slow. You can't call and voice messages don't get delivered. We can just text,” the resident said.

The blackout has severely disrupted daily life, preventing people from contacting relatives abroad, using navigation tools such as Google Maps, or accessing websites for information. Many residents have been limited to Iran’s heavily restricted local intranet.

The strikes have also targeted Iranian broadcasting infrastructure, affecting state television and radio operations.

Some residents have attempted to access the internet using illegal Starlink terminals operated by SpaceX and owned by Elon Musk, although connectivity remains unstable. “The internet situation here is abysmal. It connects and disconnects. The connection is slow so the VPNs don’t work,” a resident in the western Iranian city of Bukan said in a message sent to AFP.

Iran has previously imposed similar internet shutdowns during periods of unrest, including during the 2022 protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.

Human rights groups say the communication restrictions have complicated efforts to document events on the ground. Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said the blackout has made it difficult to verify civilian casualties and reports of abuses.

“It’s a struggle for us right now, but it’s not the first time that we are facing a cutoff,” said Awyar Shekhi from the organization. “We’ve built our own networks to be prepared for such times to be able to get information through our sources when there is no internet.”

Iranians living abroad have also been affected by the disruption, with many unable to reach family members inside the country amid the escalating conflict. “For Iranians in the diaspora, it’s stressful and they live with anxiety about their families, not knowing if they have been able to find shelter, or whether they have left their homes,” Shekhi said.