Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout as Israel and the U.S. launched strikes, according to NetBlocks.
Internet access across Iran was drastically reduced on Saturday as Israel and the United States carried out strikes against the country, according to independent and non-partisan global internet monitor NetBlocks.
Network data indicated a near-total nationwide blackout. The national connectivity is down to about 4% of normal levels, amid ongoing military strikes by Israel and the United States.
“Confirmed: Network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4% or ordinary levels. The incident comes amid US and Israeli combat operations and matches measures used during last year’s war with Israel.” wrote NetBlocks.
Confirmed: Network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4% or ordinary levels. The incident comes amid US and Israeli combat operations and matches measures used during last year's war with Israel. pic.twitter.com/1XunOr4Q19
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 28, 2026
NetBlocks noted that the disruption resembles measures previously seen during last year’s conflict with Israel, suggesting authorities may have intentionally restricted connectivity amid escalating tensions.
Cloudflare also confirmed that Internet traffic in the country has dropped to effectively zero as of 18:45 UTC (22:15 PM local time), signaling a complete shutdown in the country and disconnection from the global Internet.
Iran’s internet shutdowns are widely viewed as tools for regime control. Teheran may use it to curb information flows, and reduce foreign pressure or cyber threats against critical infrastructure. By cutting or throttling connectivity during crises, authorities hinder external cyber operations and limit reconnaissance while also disrupting internal coordination, protest organization, and real-time reporting of damage or abuses.
Large-scale cyberattacks reportedly struck Iran alongside Saturday’s military strikes by Israel and the U.S., disrupting major domestic platforms. According to local media, websites of key news agencies, including IRNA and ISNA, experienced significant outages. As state media faltered, many Iranians turned to foreign opposition sites and social media platforms such as Instagram and Telegram for updates, wherever internet access remained available.
Follow me on Twitter: @securityaffairs and Facebook and Mastodon
(SecurityAffairs – hacking, Iran)
