As anti-government protests continue, Iran's leadership blocked internet and phone access across the country last Thursday, resulting in a nationwide internet shutdown affecting 92 million Iranians. Experts say this shutdown has now lasted more than a week, exceeding 170 hours as of this writing, making it one of the longest in the country's history.

According to Isik Mater, director of research at NetBlocks, a web monitoring company, the current disruption ranks as the third longest on record globally. Mater noted that previous shutdowns in Iran lasted approximately 163 hours in 2019 and 160 hours in 2025. The longest recorded shutdowns were in Sudan in mid-2021, lasting about 35 days, and in Mauritania in July 2024, which lasted 22 days.

The Iranian government's action follows widespread protests that began late last year, prompting a severe response from authorities. The internet and phone blackout aims to curb the organization and spread of information related to these demonstrations.

NetBlocks monitors internet disruptions by analyzing network data and identifying patterns indicative of intentional shutdowns or censorship. Their tools track internet accessibility across various regions, providing real-time data on network connectivity.

"Iran's shutdowns remain among the most comprehensive and tightly enforced nationwide blackouts we've observed, particularly in terms of population affected," Mater told TechCrunch. The exact ranking depends on the methodology used to measure the impact of the shutdowns.

The ongoing internet restrictions impact various sectors, including businesses, education, and healthcare, which rely heavily on internet connectivity. The shutdown also limits the ability of journalists and international organizations to report on the situation within Iran.

While the Iranian government has not issued an official statement regarding the duration of the shutdown, sources indicate that access will remain restricted until the protests subside. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term impact on Iran's digital infrastructure and economy is yet to be determined.