Near-total internet blackout reported in Iran as Israel strikes military targets in west
The communications blackout is expected to further restrict the flow of information from inside Iran as military operations continue.
A near-total internet blackout has been reported across Iran as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was carrying out broad airstrikes on military targets in the country's western regions.
Internet monitoring agency NetBlocks said connectivity across Iran had dropped sharply, indicating a widespread disruption to online services amid the ongoing military escalation involving Israel and the United States, reports BBC.
The blackout is not unprecedented. Last month, Iran experienced a similar near-total shutdown during nationwide protests that were forcefully suppressed by authorities. During that period, some users managed limited access through satellite-based services operated by SpaceX, as well as virtual private networks (VPNs), and similar workarounds may again be attempted.
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Meanwhile, the IDF said its air force was conducting "a broad strike on a number of military targets" in western Iran. Explosions were reported earlier in the western cities of Kermanshah and Tabriz, though Iranian authorities have not released details on casualties or damage.
The developments come amid escalating tensions following coordinated strikes and threats of retaliation across the region. The communications blackout is expected to further restrict the flow of information from inside Iran as military operations continue.
