Iran’s Internet Blackout: Crushing Economic Freedom and Fueling Regime Instability

The Islamic Republic of Iran has plunged its citizens into the longest and most comprehensive internet shutdown in its history, imposing restrictions that go beyond controlling information—they are throttling economic lifelines essential for business survival. Since January 8, Iranians have faced limited access to the global internet amidst a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests, with over 4,000 reported deaths and countless others detained. As the regime tightens its grip to silence dissent, it simultaneously undermines its own economy—already battered by a collapsing rial currency that has plummeted from 32,000 to 1.4 million per U.S. dollar within a decade. Inflation soars...