Iran Shuts Down Internet Across Most of the Country

On June 18, 2025, Iran’s internet connectivity dropped by 97% following a government-ordered nationwide shutdown. The measure, imposed by central authorities, was described as a temporary response aimed at preserving network stability amid what officials called ongoing “enemy cyberattacks” from Israel.

“These restrictions are temporary and are intended to maintain network stability in the face of enemy [Israeli] cyberattacks,” government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajeran said.

The blackout also included blocks on VPNs and other anti-censorship tools. Iranian officials are reportedly considering a full transition to a national “intranet” — a state-controlled internal network accessible only within Iran’s borders.

Iran and Israel have been in open conflict since June 13, 2025. Tel Aviv has launched a parallel cyber offensive, led in part by hacktivist groups such as Gonjeshke Darande. The group has claimed responsibility for several attacks on critical Iranian infrastructure, including a June 17 breach of state-owned Sepah Bank and an attack on the cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex.