Heading for another confrontation? Iran orders preparations for internet shutdown

Senior Iranian officials have ordered the disconnection of the global internet in the event of a new war. The directive was conveyed in an official letter, without details on the scope of restrictions. Previous shutdowns, including an 88-day blackout during Operation 'Roar of the Lion', are described as background.

Senior officials in the Iranian regime have issued a binding order to immediately cut off access to the global internet in the event of a new war. The directive was conveyed in an official letter, but no details were provided on the timing of implementation, the scope of restrictions, or how access would be restored. This preparation comes after Iranian citizens experienced several periods of severe restrictions in the past year, including during the war with Israel, protests against the regime, and another military confrontation with Israel and the United States. During Operation 'Like a Lion' in June 2025, the country was almost completely shut down for about 11 days and 22 hours. Another wave of shutdowns occurred after Operation 'Roar of the Lion', and Iran remained disconnected for about 88 days – the longest nationwide blackout on record, according to the NetBlocks organization. Now, amid the possibility of another confrontation, the regime seeks to prepare in advance.