Iran has kept global internet access restricted amid nationwide protests, citing security concerns and “cognitive warfare” threats, while basic services continue through the domestic NIN network
Global internet access will remain restricted until security fully restored (Source: X)
Iran Protest: Iran’s top cyberspace authority said that access to the global internet will stay limited until the government is sure that security has been fully restored. The decision comes as the country faces large anti-government protests, driven by high inflation, economic stress, and rising public anger over how the country is being run.
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that Mohammad Amin Aqamiri, the head of the National Center for Cyberspace, confirmed that the internet shutdown, which began on January 9, will continue because unrest is still ongoing in many provinces.
Officials have not given a clear date for when the restrictions will end. Aqamiri said the government will announce the timeline only after security reviews are complete.
He said, "The time to return to normal conditions will be announced in the future, and authorities must certainly brief us on security considerations."
Aqamiri explained that the internet block was necessary to stop what he called “cognitive warfare” being carried out by Iran’s enemies through cyberspace. He said that while global internet access is limited, Iran has made its domestic internet system, known as the National Information Network (NIN), stronger to keep basic services running.
He added, "The NIN is a platform through which we can guarantee stable services for the public."
According to Press TV, Iran is also expanding local messaging apps, search engines, and artificial intelligence tools so that people can continue their daily activities with fewer disruptions.
Aqamiri also confirmed that online banking and shopping are still available through the NIN, even though the global internet remains restricted.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that 108 hours have passed since Iran began the nationwide internet blackout. In a post on X, the organisation said, "Update: It has been 108 hours since #Iran introduced a nationwide internet shutdown, leaving Iranians isolated from the rest of the world and each other."
Iran’s Telecom Minister, Sattar Hashemi, said all government agencies will follow the decision made by top security officials to keep internet limits in place. At the same time, he said efforts are continuing to restore full internet access in the future, according to Press TV.
The protests have now entered their 16th day and have spread across the country. According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), there have been 606 protest gatherings in 187 cities.
HRANA also reported that 646 people have been killed so far. This includes 505 protesters, among them nine children. It also includes 133 members of Iran’s military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians who were not involved in the protests.
As unrest continues, Iran’s internet restrictions remain in place, cutting millions of people off from the outside world while authorities focus on restoring control and security.
Tehran last night 13 jan .this is Iranian people without Internet without phone calle #IranRevolution2026 #KingRezaPahlavi pic.twitter.com/PBUTqGWmLk
— ashkan, CBR (@ashkan23530131) January 13, 2026
