June 22, 2025

Internet Outage in Iran: A Comprehensive Report on 10 Days of Disruption Amidst Recent Developments

Amidst regional developments and reports of missile and cyber attacks, Iran has experienced one of the most widespread and prolonged periods of internet disruption and outages in recent years. This phenomenon, known as “Internet outage in Iran,” has affected daily life, businesses, and access to information for millions of people. This report provides a comprehensive look at the 10 days of disruption and outage, analyzing its roots, dimensions, and consequences in the context of war and cyber attacks.

Roots of the Outage: A Combination of Military and Cyber Factors

According to reports, this wave of disruptions began at midnight, coinciding with the start of what has been described as “missile attacks against Iran.” This simultaneity fueled speculation about a direct link between military developments and the internet situation. However, officials and supplementary reports have also pointed to the significant role of “severe cyber attacks.” The Fata police explicitly stated that a substantial portion of the observed disruptions resulted from these cyber attacks.

Internet disruptions during crisis situations, whether of technical, security, or managerial origin, can have wide-ranging consequences. In this recent period, a combination of these factors appears to have contributed to the current situation. Alongside cyber attacks targeting bandwidth and infrastructure, government decisions to manage the situation under specific conditions can also impact user access.

Dimensions and Duration of the Outage; 62 Hours of Complete Darkness and Continued Disruption

Analyses indicate that the initial and complete phase of the internet outage lasted for approximately 62 hours. During this period, user access to international internet was severely limited or cut off. After this period, internet connectivity was partially restored in some areas, but not completely and not with the previous speed and stability.

One notable point was the difference in access status between international internet and the domestic network (intranet). While international communications faced serious problems, the domestic network remained relatively active. This issue has reignited discussions about bandwidth management policies and traffic prioritization during crisis situations.

Widespread Impacts on Daily Life and Businesses

The internet outage in Iran is not merely a simple technical problem; it has profound consequences on various aspects of citizens’ lives and economic activities. In today’s world, where many daily activities, from personal communications to online education, banking services, and online shopping, are highly dependent on the internet, widespread outages can be paralyzing.

Online businesses, e-commerce stores, freelancers, and companies whose activities are based on online communications suffer significant losses. Lack of access to international communication platforms, work tools, and global markets disrupts the activities of this sector of the economy. In addition to the economic aspect, the internet outage also limits access to free information and the ability to communicate in sensitive situations.

Official Responses and Explanations; Cyber Attacks in Focus

In response to these widespread disruptions, various officials provided explanations. As mentioned, the Fata police was one of the first bodies to confirm the occurrence of “severe cyber attacks,” identifying this as the main reason for the disruptions. These explanations were provided while the synchronization of outages with military developments had raised many questions in the minds of users and experts.

Meanwhile, some reports pointed to “government decisions” as another contributing factor to these outages. Although precise details of these decisions and the reasons for their adoption have not been publicly released, the nature of the centralized management of the country’s internet infrastructure allows for the imposition of restrictions or changes in access.

Current Status and Future Outlook; Slow Return and Remaining Concerns

After 62 hours of complete outage, the internet gradually and unstably began to function. However, even after 10 days since the start of the disruptions, internet traffic has not returned to normal. Many users still complain about slow speeds, frequent disconnections, and problems accessing international websites and services.

This situation raises concerns about the stability of the internet infrastructure during crisis situations and its vulnerability to cyber attacks. Furthermore, the discussion about the necessity of strengthening the domestic network while ensuring free and stable access to international internet for maintaining the flow of information and economic activities has become more crucial than ever.

Conclusion

The 10 days of internet disruption and outage in Iran amidst regional developments showcased a complex interplay of military, security (cyber attacks), and managerial factors. While officials emphasize the role of cyber attacks, the simultaneity of events and the prolonged phase of complete outage necessitate deeper investigations and greater transparency. This experience once again highlighted the vital importance of the internet as a lifeline of modern life and its vulnerability to crises, emphasizing the need for investment in infrastructure stability and ensuring free and stable access.

Internet Outage in Iran: A Comprehensive Report on 10 Days of Disruption Amidst Recent Developments