An organization called NetBlocks watches the internet all over the world. They found out that Iran has broken a world record. On Sunday, April 5, 2026, the internet in Iran was turned off for 37 days in a row.
This is the longest time any country has ever been without the internet. The government turned it off when the war started in late February. Now, people in Iran cannot talk to their friends or family in other countries. They also cannot see the news from the rest of the world.
The current electricity situation in Iran
The war has made life very hard for people in Iran. Many power plants and lines that carry electricity have been damaged. Because of this, many cities do not have power all the time.
Some places have electricity for only a few hours a day. People are using candles or small lamps to see at night. This makes it hard for hospitals to work and for people to keep their food cold in fridges. The power supply is very weak and not stable at all.
Food prices are going up very fast
Eating has become very expensive in Iran. Because the war blocked the sea routes, food cannot get into the country easily. This has caused a “grocery emergency.”
Prices for basic things like rice, oil, and bread have gone up a lot. For example, some food items now cost three times more than before. Many families are struggling to buy enough food to eat every day. It is a very sad and difficult time for normal people.
Is Israel facing the same problems
You might wonder if Israel is having these same problems. Israel is also in the war, but things are a bit different there. While Israel is also spending a lot of money on the war, they still have the internet.
Israel also has more ways to get food and electricity. However, prices for gas and some goods have gone up there too. But the total blackout of the internet and the massive food shortage are mostly happening inside Iran.
How people are trying to stay connected
Even though the internet is off, some people in Iran are trying to find ways to talk. Some use special tools called VPNs, but the government says they might go to jail for that.
A few people are trying to use satellite internet. But for most people, they feel cut off from the rest of the world. It is like living in the dark while the rest of the world is moving forward.
Predicting exactly when the internet will return to Iran is difficult because the blackout is tied directly to the ongoing war. However, based on current news and expert opinions as of April 7, 2026, we can look at a few factors to estimate the timing.
The Short-Term Outlook (2–3 Weeks)
There is some hope for a resolution in the coming weeks. President Trump recently signaled that the U.S. military campaign could conclude within two to three weeks. If a ceasefire or a deal is reached during this time, the Iranian government might begin restoring connectivity to restart the economy and quiet public frustration.
The “Hormuz Factor”
The internet issue is closely linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has threatened to strike Iran’s power grid if the Strait is not reopened immediately.
- If Iran reopens the Strait: Tensions may drop, and the government might feel safe enough to turn the internet back on.
- If the conflict escalates: If the power grid is attacked, the “blackout” could shift from a digital one (government-controlled) to a physical one (no electricity to run servers), which would take much longer to fix.
Historical Comparisons
Experts often look at past events to guess how long these things last:
- Sudan (2019): Their shutdown lasted 37 days, which Iran has just surpassed.
- Libya (2011): During the Arab Spring, Libya was without internet for nearly six months.
Summary of the Estimate
- Best Case Scenario: If a deal is made this week, we could see partial restoration by mid-April 2026.
- Likely Scenario: Given the 37-day record and the current military stand-off, many analysts believe the blackout will continue through the end of April 2026 until the “two-to-three week” window for the military campaign passes.
- Worst Case Scenario: If the war continues or the physical infrastructure (power lines and cables) is destroyed, the internet could remain offline or unstable for several months.
For now, the situation remains “flatlined,” with most of the country having less than 1% connectivity to the outside world.
What is the internet shutdown record
The internet in Iran has been off for over 37 days.
Is there power in Iran
Power is very limited and many cities have blackouts.
Why is food expensive
War has blocked the roads and ships that bring food.
Does Israel have internet
Yes, the internet is still working in Israel.
Can people use VPNs
The government is checking and people might get in trouble.