Iran Expands Tiered Internet Access Amid Ongoing Wartime Blackout

Amid an eleven-week nationwide internet blackout triggered by the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, the Iranian government is implementing a tiered internet access model. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the creation of the Specialised Headquarters for Organising and Guiding Iran’s Cyberspace, led by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. This new body aims to consolidate cyberspace governance and review the efficiency of existing security councils that have enforced strict restrictions since late February. While most citizens remain disconnected from the global web, limited to a slow state intranet, a premium service called 'Internet Pro' has been launched for approved entities such as businesses, academics, and lawyers. This service allows access to select platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp but blocks others like YouTube. Despite these adjustments, experts argue the measures continue to undermine digital rights. The shutdown, described as the longest in the world, has caused significant economic damage and public frustration, with authorities actively suppressing workaround methods like VPNs and Starlink connections under the guise of national security against foreign intelligence threats.