Iran’s Internet Blackout: Impact of War with Israel
As the war between Israel and Iran reaches the one-week mark, Iranians find themselves in a near-communication blackout, unable to connect not only with the outside world but also with their neighbors and loved ones across the country.
Impact of the Internet Blackout
Hours after Israel’s Air Force bombed targets in Iran on June 13, escalating the conflict between the two countries, reports began to surface of self-imposed internet disruptions inside Iran. Elon Musk’s Starlink service, which had been activated during the protests in 2022, is now providing internet access to Iranians despite the blackout imposed by the Iranian government.
Preparing for Retaliation
Iran is reportedly preparing to retaliate against the attack in Tehran that killed Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh, which has been attributed to Israel’s military. This retaliation comes amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.
Regional Dynamics
Enmity towards Israel has long been a core ideological tenet of Iranian foreign policy under the Islamic Republic. This animosity towards Israel continues to drive Iran’s regional policies and actions, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict.
Conclusion
As Iranians grapple with the communication blackout amid the escalating war with Israel, access to information about Israeli strikes and the well-being of loved ones remains severely hindered. The internet blackout presents a challenge for the Iranian public, painting an uneven picture of the conflict.