Iran’s unprecedented internet blackout is becoming a key dividing line between the country’s powerful security apparatus and its civilian government, underscoring how the war with the United States has extended military control over everyday life. Top officials have become increasingly critical of the government shutdown, imposed two months ago by authorities led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, even as they present a united front against Washington during the ongoing ceasefire.
“We do not accept a differentiated internet system at all,” Mohammad Hafez Hakami, advisor to the Minister of Information and Communications Technologies, said on Tuesday, referring to a state initiative that allows a limited number of verified users to access the internet to support the economy. “The Internet has become one of the basic needs of the population and must be recognized as a public right for all citizens,” Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref declared last week, calling for restrictions to be lifted.
Iranian authorities blocked internet access shortly after the United States and Israel launched attacks against the countryat the end of February. This disrupted the ability of most Iranians to communicate abroad and severely disrupted the operations of local businesses that rely on connectivity. Despite the economic damage, estimated at $80 million a day by the Chamber of Commerce, the civilian government’s pleas are being dismissed by the security services, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has led the fight against the United States and Israel and has become the key player in what is to come.
The tiered internet system It was created by order of the Supreme National Security Council, as stated on Tuesday by a Government spokeswoman. That council, whose remit ranges from peace talks with the United States to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, is now led by hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps veteran Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, following the death of his more moderate predecessor, Ali Larijani, in an Israeli airstrike.
Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkianelected on a promise to ease internet restrictions, has a seat on the Council, but its composition is dominated by appointees of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who is considered close to the guard. “Debate and disagreement are acceptable, but ultimately there are a handful of decision makers who have chosen to keep the internet shut down, despite the repercussions on business and industry,” said Dina Esfandiary, Geoeconomics analyst at Bloomberg Economics.
“After eight weeks of war, as expected, the true holders of power are the Revolutionary Guard and the security apparatus,” he said. The semi-official news agency Tasnimaffiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, described in a statement on Telegram that the internet is “the main platform to direct anti-security movements.” Restricting access thwarts “terrorist operations by domestic traitors” by cutting off their communication with foreign spies, he said, emphasizing that security takes “absolute priority” over the economic costs of the blockade.
“At times, access is restricted for security reasons to protect people and facilities,” stated eForeign Minister Abbas Araghchiformer member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, to NBCNewsin the first days of the war. Iran has long restricted access to certain websites and apps from within the country, but the war has accelerated its push toward domestic alternatives under state supervision.
While WhatsApp remains blocked, for example, some Iranians abroad have been able to use the Bale Messenger app, developed by state bank Bank Melli Iran, to communicate with relatives in Iran. Bale, which means “yes” in Persian, claims to have 34 million users. In the absence of international connectivity, Iranians are forced to rely on the National Information Network, a type of leaked national intranet that is often compared to the so-called Great Firewall of China.
Developed in collaboration with the intelligence service of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, it allows access to local websites and state media, as well as some basic services such as banking and healthcare, but not foreign applications or websites. Meanwhile, the risks of trying to circumvent state-sanctioned technology are growing.
During the war, state media reports of people arrested for trying to buy and sell internet access or install Starlink satellite terminals have become common, often alleging that the equipment was used to communicate with foreign intelligence services or opposition satellite television channels. While government officials acknowledge the limits of their power, they warn that the restrictions risk further alienating citizens already frustrated with life under the Islamic Republic.
“Maintaining security on the battlefield is essential, but preserving the social capital of the population is also part of that security,” Ali Rabiei, the president’s advisor on social affairs, declared on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, in the tradition of decision-making and evaluations of national power, the mentality and attitude of society have little place,” he noted.