Iran's Internet Blackout Enters Day 18 Amid US-Israel Tensions

• •Iran's internet blackout has lasted for 18 days, affecting the majority of the population.
• •Access is restricted to 'chosen users' who can afford contraband services.
• •The blackout follows US-Israel missile strikes and is linked to ongoing civil unrest.

Iran's internet blackout has reached day 18, affecting the vast majority of the population, which has been offline for over 400 hours. The Iranian government imposed these restrictions following US-Israel missile strikes on February 28, leading to a near-total internet outage. Monitoring group NetBlocks reported that internet access dropped from nearly 100% to just above 0% after the strikes. While some 'chosen users' have privileged access through expensive and risky channels, most citizens remain disconnected. This blackout is part of Iran's historical pattern of restricting internet access during crises to control information flow and suppress dissent. The situation is compounded by ongoing civil unrest related to the collapse of the rial, which has seen its value halved in six months. Digital rights organizations have noted that the protests have evolved into broader calls against systemic injustice. The blackout serves as a tool for the Iranian government to shape narratives and maintain control over the populace.