Iran Faces Near-Total Internet Blackout Amid Escalating Conflict
TL;DR
Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout on Wednesday as tensions with Israel escalated. The cause of the disruption remains unclear, but it follows a series of cyberattacks and military actions. The blackout has impacted various sectors, including banking and cryptocurrency exchanges, highlighting the severe consequences of cyber warfare.
Iran Faces Near-Total Internet Blackout Amid Escalating Conflict
On Wednesday, Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout as tensions with Israel intensified into the first week of conflict. Global internet monitor NetBlocks reported significant disruptions in Iran’s internet connectivity, coinciding with escalating military tensions and a wave of cyberattacks1.
Causes and Implications
The exact cause of Iran’s internet collapse remains uncertain. While the timing aligns with the escalating conflict and cyberattacks, there is no concrete evidence linking the blackout to a specific technical failure, government action, or external cyber operation. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of the situation, making it difficult to pinpoint the responsible parties.
Confirmed: Live network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total national internet blackout; the incident follows a series of earlier partial disruptions and comes amid escalating military tensions with Israel after days of back-and-forth missile strikes
— NetBlocks
Impact on Critical Infrastructure
Other firms, including Cloudflare, have reported similar internet traffic disruptions2. The blackout follows several cyberattacks on Iranian institutions, including Iran’s Bank Sepah. Iranian media has accused Israel of waging a “massive cyber war,” prompting authorities to restrict internet access nationwide. This restriction has had a significant impact on various sectors, including banking and communications.
Cyberattacks on Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Following the attacks on Iran, the country’s largest crypto exchange, Nobitex, was hacked, and funds were stolen from its hot wallet3. The pro-Israel hacking group “Predatory Sparrow” claimed responsibility for the cyberattacks, accusing Iran of using the exchange to evade sanctions. The group reportedly sent the stolen crypto to unusable wallets, and Nobitex confirmed the breach, suspending access temporarily.
Further Cyber Operations
Predatory Sparrow also claimed to have destroyed data at Iran’s state-owned Bank Sepah, citing ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran’s Fars news agency warned of potential disruptions to banking services, including those at gas stations, highlighting the far-reaching effects of these cyber operations.
“Crypto-tracking firms Elliptic and TRM Labs confirmed the crypto was stolen and sent to ‘wallets’ or crypto accounts, with an expletive that referenced Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” reported CNN World4.
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Conclusion
The internet blackout in Iran underscores the severe consequences of cyber warfare in modern conflicts. As tensions with Israel continue to escalate, the impact on critical infrastructure and civilian life becomes increasingly evident. The situation highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to mitigate such threats.
Additional Resources
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References
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NetBlocks (June 18, 2025). “Confirmed: Live network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total national internet blackout”. Twitter. Retrieved June 19, 2025. ↩︎
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Cloudflare (June 18, 2025). “Internet traffic disruption in Iran”. Cloudflare Radar. Retrieved June 19, 2025. ↩︎
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CNN World (June 18, 2025). “Pro-Israel hackers target Iran’s crypto exchange”. CNN. Retrieved June 19, 2025. ↩︎
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CNN World (June 18, 2025). “Pro-Israel hackers target Iran’s crypto exchange”. CNN. Retrieved June 19, 2025. ↩︎