Iran’s government-imposed internet blockade, implemented hours after the U.S.-Israel coalition attacked the Iranian regime on February 28, has now entered its 72nd day. According to internet observatory Netblocks, the country’s international connectivity has been reduced to a mere 1%, described as an unprecedented measure with no signs of wider restoration for the general public.
‘Internet Pro’ Two-Tier System Emerges
In response to the crackdown, authorities have rolled out a controversial two-tiered internet system called ‘Internet Pro’. This system allows pre-approved users—such as government officials and business elites—to access the global internet with significantly fewer restrictions, while the vast majority of Iranians remain confined to a heavily filtered domestic network. The cost for Internet Pro is prohibitively high, leaving most citizens reliant on virtual private networks (VPNs) or riskier methods to bypass censorship.
Massive Economic Toll
Economist Mahdi Ghodsi estimates the daily cost of the internet disruptions at $250 million, rising to nearly $3 billion when accounting for disruptions affecting banks, companies, and supply chains. The blockade is also blamed for threatening 2 million jobs, impacting up to 8 million families. Factories have halted operations, foreign trade is severely hampered, and the digital economy has ground to a halt, compounding Iran’s existing sanctions-induced economic crisis.
Political Divisions Over Internet Policy
Iran’s Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi has publicly opposed Internet Pro, declaring that “tiered internet or a ‘whitelist’ system has no validity” and accusing hardliners of misusing the platform. In contrast, hardline officials, including Mohammad Amin Aghamiri who heads the country’s cyberspace authority, strongly endorse the system. This internal rift underscores the deep divide within the regime over how to balance security concerns with the public’s demand for connectivity.
Fatal Starlink Incident
As the blackout enters its tenth week, reports have surfaced of a citizen who died after being arrested for using Starlink satellite internet equipment. While full details remain pending, the incident highlights the extreme risks Iranians face in attempting to access the open internet. International organizations continue to call on Tehran to lift the blockade and restore fundamental digital rights.
With no official timeline for restoration, Internet Pro remains a limited and unequal stopgap, fueling resentment among a population already grappling with severe economic hardship and isolation.