Iran has experienced a nationwide internet shutdown lasting more than 180 hours, according to NetBlocks, an organisation that monitors global internet connectivity.
In an update published on January 16, 2026, NetBlocks said the ongoing disruption had surpassed the duration of Iran’s longest previous blackout. “At 180 hours, the total internet blackout in #Iran now exceeds the core duration of the 2019 shutdown, and there is still no partial or regional restoration,” the group said.
The shutdown began on January 8, when Iran’s leadership blocked internet and mobile phone access across the country following the outbreak of large-scale anti-government protests. The demonstrations, which started late last year, have been met with a forceful response by authorities, including reports of deadly crackdowns, according to a recent report by the BBC.
The shutdown was abrupt and initially cut off government institutions, including the foreign ministry. Since then, some limited access has reportedly been restored for parts of the state and the economy. According to a recent report by The Financial Times, certain government departments, as well as essential services such as bank transfers and payment systems at petrol stations, have regained connectivity.
Despite the restrictions, a small and unverified number of Iranians are believed to have connected to the internet using Starlink satellite terminals smuggled into the country, according to a report by The Guardian. In 2022, the United States government created an exemption to sanctions on Iran aimed at supporting internet freedom, allowing US technology companies to provide connectivity services, which enabled Starlink to operate in the country.
Iranian authorities have since moved to suppress such access, criminalising the possession of Starlink terminals, confiscating devices and jamming signals in some neighbourhoods.
The prolonged blackout comes amid heightened international tension. This week, US President Donald Trump warned of possible military action if Iranian forces continue to use violence against protesters, while also reducing personnel at a US military base in neighbouring Qatar, citing concerns about potential retaliation.
