NetBlocks: Iran cut off from global internet for over 50 days

Iran has now been cut off from the global internet for seven weeks, with the nationwide digital blackout extending beyond 1,176 hours, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks.

The watchdog said the disruption, which began after a state-imposed shutdown and subsequent tightening of connectivity restrictions, remains one of the most severe and prolonged internet outages ever recorded in a connected society.

“Metrics show the measure, unprecedented for a connected society, continues to the detriment of most Iranians' livelihoods and human rights,” the internet monitoring group said.

Iran has been experiencing a prolonged internet blackout since 8 January 2026, amid the twelfth day of nationwide protests. Authorities imposed widespread connectivity shutdowns affecting Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kermanshah, and other regions, with reports indicating disruptions to both mobile networks and fixed internet services. Cybersecurity experts also stated that Iran’s National Information Network was fully disconnected, including internal systems.

Although restrictions were partially eased on 28 January, significant limitations remain in place. The Iranian Minister of Communications, Sattar Hashemi, acknowledged that the shutdown is costing the economy around $35.7 million per day. Independent estimates suggest the broader economic impact may reach $70–80 million daily when indirect losses are included.

By Aghakazim Guliyev