Iran’s "Digital Black Hole": Fears of Permanent Isolation as Internet Outage Hits 10-Day Mark

Iran has reached a grim 10-day milestone in one of the world’s most severe internet shutdowns, affecting 92 million citizens. While the government cites "terrorist threats" as the cause, investigations by BBC and FilterWatch suggest a more sinister plot: the implementation of a permanent "Tiered Internet System." Reports indicate that international access may remain blocked until late March, transitioning into a monitored network where global connectivity requires prior government approval.

This "Digital Curtain" coincides with a brutal crackdown; human rights group HRANA reports over 3,300 deaths and 24,000 arrests. Experts warn that Tehran is blending the "Great Firewall" of China with Russia's "Kill Switch" technology to create impenetrable digital borders. However, the rise of satellite services like Starlink and Bluetooth-based mesh networks offers a glimmer of hope, continuing a high-stakes "cat-and-mouse game" against state-led censorship.