As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, a near-total internet blackout has plunged Iranian civilians into darkness. For almost half of the week-long war, communication has been severed, leaving many unaware of events unfolding in their own country and globally.

This information vacuum means Iranians are left guessing about the timing and location of Israeli strikes, despite warnings issued through Persian-language channels. When missiles hit, the disconnected services prevent people from knowing for hours or even days if loved ones are among the casualties.

Digital rights activists, like Marwa Fatafta of Access Now, view this as a form of psychological warfare. The Iranian regime, long known for tight information control, is clearly aiming to manage the narrative and prevent the spread of critical information during this deadly conflict.

The blackout creates an **uneven picture of the war**. While Israeli citizens receive consistent updates, Iranians are limited to state-run media, which offers irregular news and focuses on damages inflicted on Israel, rather than domestic casualties.

NetBlocks.org reported a 36-hour disconnection from the global internet, with national connectivity at minimal levels. Only a handful of users with VPNs have managed to maintain a connection, becoming lifelines for those in the dark.

This lack of real-time information in Iran stands in stark contrast to modern conflicts, where technology typically brings events directly to people's phones worldwide. The blackout is likely an attempt by the Iranian government to project an image of strength and prevent potential unrest.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2605172/media