Iran Government Nationwide Internet Shutdown, Starlink Blocked

Beginning January 8, 2026, amid widespread anti-government protests, the Iranian government implemented a nationwide internet and communications blackout, leaving approximately 85 million people nearly completely cut off from the global network. According to monitoring organization NetBlocks, the blackout has lasted over 60 hours, with domestic internet traffic dropping sharply and phone and mobile data nearly unusable. Citizens have struggled to connect with the outside world or share real-time footage.

This shutdown is technically sophisticated, far surpassing Iran’s previous internet blackouts. Monitoring data indicates that internet traffic dropped nearly 90% in a short period, effectively disconnecting Iran’s backbone network from the global internet “as if someone had pulled the plug.” The precise blackout has blocked civilian information flow and severely suppressed the voices of protesters both domestically and internationally.

The Iranian government also attempted to interfere with the satellite internet service Starlink. Previously, citizens had tried using Starlink to bypass government restrictions and transmit information abroad. During the latest blackout, the government appears to have deployed military-grade jamming equipment, causing up to 80% packet loss in some areas, severely degrading connectivity and showing that satellite internet is no longer a secure alternative channel.

Historically, Iran took similar measures during protests in 2019 and 2022. Analysts note that the current action is more precise and sustained, even leaving some official channels operational for propaganda purposes while fully cutting civilian communication with the outside world. International organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have warned that the blackout affects not only social interaction and freedom of expression but also economic activity, threatening basic services and citizens’ safety. They urged the cessation of satellite network interference and cautioned that prolonged shutdowns could have deep, long-term impacts on public life and national stability.