Iran has severed internet and telephone service nationwide following a series of airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States targeting locations within the country, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Karaj. The disruption, which began shortly after the attacks commenced, has resulted in a near-total internet blackout, with connectivity at just 4% of normal levels, according to the internet monitoring organization Netblocks.
EFE news agency confirmed the widespread communication outages, reporting that both internet connections and telephone calls are currently unavailable. This is not the first time the Iranian government has implemented such measures. Similar internet shutdowns occurred during protests that began in late December, culminating in a violent crackdown in January that reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths. That disruption lasted for more than two weeks.
A similar internet suspension occurred in June of last year during a twelve-day conflict initiated by Israel. At that time, Iranian officials justified the measure by claiming that internet systems were being used to geolocate drones targeting the country and to facilitate communications between Israel and its agents within Iran.
The attacks were announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who characterized the operation as “massive,” with the stated goal of “aniquilating” and “destroying” the Iranian regime. Trump simultaneously called on the Iranian people to “take control” of the country. According to the Associated Press, columns of smoke were visible rising from Tehran following explosions.
In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes against bases housing U.S. Forces in the region, specifically targeting locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, according to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media reported that at least 201 people have been killed and over 700 injured as of Saturday evening, citing figures from the Iranian Red Crescent. The attacks too reportedly struck a school in southern Iran, resulting in more than 50 deaths among students, according to Iranian state television.
The attacks from the U.S. And Israel are understood to be aimed at dismantling Iran’s military capabilities and preventing the development of nuclear weapons, according to President Trump. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated it would defend its homeland, and the Revolutionary Guard confirmed launching counterattacks, including drones and missiles targeting Israel. A missile attack originating from Iran reportedly caused one fatality in the United Arab Emirates, according to state media there.
The Pentagon utilized what has been described as the largest naval, air, and logistical deployment to the Middle East in over two decades, including aircraft carrier strike groups and strategic bombers, in preparation for the operation. Trump reportedly initiated the attacks without consulting Congress, and according to the New York Times, even key senators were not informed in advance.
As of late Saturday, exchanges of fire continued, and Iranian officials have promised a “crushing response.”
