#IsraelIranConflict

Iran shutsdown internet, alleges Israel cyberattack

Iran’s authorities cut off nearly all internet access on Tuesday, blocking Meta platforms and banning Starlink terminals as Israel continued its bombardment.

Two global internet monitors, Kentinc and NetBlocks, told NBC News that traffic plunged at about 5:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The abrupt cut left many Iranians struggling to send messages, browse news sites or post updates beyond Iran’s borders, the firms said.

Iran’s communications minister said the slowdown was a deliberate government measure, not the result of damaged cables or power cuts. Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said leaders limited access to counter what they described as Israeli cyberattacks against Iran’s digital infrastructure.

Iran has shut down or slowed the internet during protests in the past. For example, in November 2019, it cut off all access for six days while security forces broke up protests across the country, a crackdown that left more than 100 people dead.

After Israel’s strikes on Iran last week, the government had already slowed connections but stopped short of a full shutdown.