Iranian authorities on 18 June imposed restrictions on internet access across the country. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology indicated that this was done for security reasons.
“Due to the hostile misuse of the national communications network for military purposes and to endanger the lives and property of peaceful people, restrictions on internet access have been temporarily imposed by decision of the competent authorities,” the ministry said in a statement.
According to the statement, access to “public communication services and domestic platforms remains possible and efforts are also being made to maintain the quality of services” for people in Iran.
NetBlocks, a non-governmental organisation, had earlier said Iran was experiencing a near-total global network blackout. “Real-time network data shows that Iran is currently experiencing an almost complete internet blackout across the country,” NetBlocks said in a statement on Net X.
The Iranian government often restricts internet access in the country. During nationwide protests in 2022, authorities imposed numerous shutdowns of the worldwide web in an attempt to stifle dissent. Iran resorted to similar measures in 2019.