By Emeka Blast 
Iran Endures Second Day of ‘Unprecedented’ Internet Blackout
📉 What’s happening?
- Nationwide shutdown: Iran imposed a near-total internet blackout beginning June 17, continuing through June 19, cutting connectivity by approximately 97% compared to last week.
- Government rationale: Authorities cite escalating cyber-attacks by Israeli-linked digital forces and “special conditions” amid Israeli airstrikes as reasons for the shutdown.
- Domestic consequences: The shutdown severely limits civilian access to vital news, communication channels, banking services, and emergency support.
đź“š Historical context
- Iran has used internet blackouts as a control tool before:
- November 2019: A week‑long national blackout during anti‑fuel‑price protests, cutting connectivity to ~5%
- Post‑Mahsa Amini protests (2022): Shorter but significant disruptions.
- In the current instance (June 2025), this blackout is among the most extensive, with ~97% reduction .
🌍 Why it matters
- Suppression of dissent: Historically, Iran’s regime has used shutdowns to stifle public organizing, control the narrative, and cut off international scrutiny (wired.com).
- Civilian impact: Such blackouts disrupt everything from healthcare systems, banking, and education to emergency communications—and inflict heavy economic losses (atlanticcouncil.org).
- Erosion of trust: Analysts stress that these moves—though framed as cybersecurity measures—primarily serve to tighten authoritarian control.
🔍 What comes next?
- Duration unclear: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council ordered the shutdown amid the Iran–Israel conflict, but no clear timeline for restoration has been announced (en.wikipedia.org).
- Potential risks: Extended shutdowns could deepen economic hardship, affect critical services, and fuel domestic unrest.
âś… Summary
Iran is experiencing one of its most severe internet blackouts, now spanning a second full day, as part of a broader security strategy during conflict with Israel. The move—while presented as a defensive cyber measure—mirrors past patterns of digital repression and carries profound consequences for everyday Irania.
