Iran has remained largely cut off from the global internet for the past four weeks, according to NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet connectivity. The group described the situation as a state of 'digital darkness' resulting from the ongoing war in the Middle East. The blackout has severely restricted Iranians’ access to information and communication, effectively isolating the country from the outside world.

The report noted that this is not the first internet disruption in Iran this year. In January, authorities also shut down internet services for several weeks during anti-government protests. Iran is currently operating a two-tier internet system, where senior government officials and individuals linked to the ruling establishment have uninterrupted access, while ordinary citizens face heavy restrictions.

Most citizens are now limited to using Iran’s National Information Network, a domestic and tightly controlled system that functions separately from the global internet, further curbing open communication and access to external information.