Name: Internet blackout in Iran impacting businesses across country
Uploaded: 2026-01-21T04:07:41.403Z
Duration: 2 min 32 s
Description: Nationwide internet blackout deepens economic strain as Iran enters second week of unrest. Companies have been forced to reduce their workforce, and many business operations are at a standstill. The government has indicated that internet services will be restored soon, but no specific timeline has been provided.

Nationwide internet blackout deepens economic strain as Iran enters second week of unrest. Companies have been forced to reduce their workforce, and many business operations are at a standstill. The government has indicated that internet services will be restored soon, but no specific timeline has been provided.

Tehran

Iran has experienced a nationwide internet blackout for approximately two weeks following protests that escalated into violence in late December. While the government states that the shutdown is necessary for security and that domestic websites remain accessible, many businesses and civil agencies report severe disruptions to their operations.

The blackout has led to the cancellation of most international flights, halted passport renewals, and made hotel bookings abroad impossible. Online sales have dropped sharply, with websites inaccessible and digital advertising suspended. Companies have been forced to reduce their workforce, and many business operations are at a standstill. The government has indicated that internet services will be restored soon, but no specific timeline has been provided.

Internet blackout in Iran impacting businesses across country

It's been now about two weeks that there has been an internet blackout in Iran. It started after the late December protests flared up into violence. The government says it's due to the security concerns that such a decision has been made and that domestic websites and online services are still available. But the reality on the ground is that there has been a tough situation for businesses as we speak to people about it. Civil agencies are currently facing major challenges. Most international flights have been cancelled and tickets for the few operating flights can't be purchased. Passport renewals are impossible due to the internet shutdown and hotel reservations abroad can't be made. This disruption has caused a significant drop in revenue, forcing agencies to reduce their workforce. In-store sales at our shop have been continuing more or less as usual. However, regarding online sales, based on the feedback we've received from our customers, our website has often been inaccessible. And even when it was accessible, network disruptions prevented verification codes from being sent to customers. The situation has had a negative impact on sales. Internet disruptions have affected our online sales. The website is not loading, online purchases cannot be completed and our Instagram ads are not running. Previously, we determined market prices through online channels and groups, but for the past 10 to 15 days, access to reliable pricing information has also been unavailable. We just opened a shop today and hope that the restoration of the internet will improve the situation. As an immigration services company, we've faced serious challenges, including placing about 46 employees on forced leave. Interference in client communications, inability to contact foreign companies, loss of job opportunities for applicants and lack of up-to-date embassy information have severely impacted our business. Without internet access, our operations are impossible. The shutdown is putting a tangibly damaging impact upon everyday life here, when it comes to daily communications and of course when it comes to many businesses. The government says internet is going to be restored soon, but how soon is something that we don't really have any clue about. Until then, communications remain disrupted and businesses continue to pay the price.

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