Iran all but vanishes from the global internet amid US-Israel strikes
The Register
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran's internet has experienced an unprecedented collapse, with connectivity dropping to near-zero levels following US-Israeli military strikes targeting Iranian military and command centers. Internet monitoring groups reported that traffic fell to just 1% of normal levels, effectively isolating the country from global communication networks. This blackout, which began early on Saturday, mirrors previous state-ordered shutdowns during times of crisis, where international links are severed, leading to a near-complete disappearance from the global routing map.
The situation is particularly significant given the ongoing regional conflict and Iran's history of using internet restrictions to suppress dissent and control information flow. During earlier outages, such as those in January amid widespread protests, Iran was cut off from the world for weeks, severely impacting daily life for civilians. The current shutdown appears to be part of a broader strategy to limit civic engagement and external communication, especially during a critical period following the US and Israeli strikes.
The economic impact of such disruptions is substantial. Previous shutdowns have cost millions of dollars daily due to lost sales, stalled payments, and disrupted business activities. This financial strain is likely exacerbated by the ongoing blackout, affecting both businesses and ordinary Iranians who rely on internet services for communication, work, and access to information. Additionally, attempts to use satellite-based solutions like Starlink have been met with resistance from authorities, further limiting options for external connectivity.
The shutdown also raises concerns about cybersecurity and global infrastructure. While unrelated to Iran's internet collapse, a separate incident involving AWS reported "objects" striking a datacenter in the UAE, causing localized outages. This adds to broader regional connectivity challenges, highlighting the fragility of digital networks in conflict zones.
For tech enthusiasts and industry professionals, this situation underscores the vulnerabilities of internet infrastructure during geopolitical tensions. It also serves as a reminder of how quickly access to information can be curtailed in times
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Originally published on The Register on 3/2/2026