Iran’s 44-day internet blackout sets record amid stalled US talks

Iranrsquos nationwide internet blackout entered its 44th day on Sunday setting a global record for the longest disruption of connectivity in a sovereign state according to data from NetBlocksThe watchdog group stated that the ongoing shutdown has surpassed all previous benchmarks warning that the human and economic consequences of the prolonged digital isolation continue to intensify It described the blackout as unprecedented in a modern connected societyBlackout Imposed After Military EscalationThe restrictions were introduced shortly after military strikes involving the United States and Israel following escalating tensions with Iran Since then authorities have maintained a neartotal block on external internet access across the countryThis is not the first such measure in recent months Earlier in the year Iran witnessed another prolonged internet shutdown during widespread antigovernment protests reflecting a pattern of digital control during periods of unrestEconomic Social Impact of Prolonged Digital IsolationExperts and rights groups have raised concerns over the farreaching impact of the blackout With limited access to global communication platforms businesses students and ordinary citizens have faced significant disruptionNetBlocks highlighted that the continued censorship has led to mounting economic losses and social hardships as essential services and communication channels remain restrictedIran Signals Distrust as Talks with US StallThe blackout coincides with stalled diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed scepticism over the outcome of recent negotiations stating that Iran entered the talks with goodwill but lacked trust due to past conflictsHe noted that the opposing side failed to gain the confidence of the Iranian delegation underscoring the persistent mistrust between the two nationsDiplomacy Continues Despite DeadlockIranrsquos Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the discussions with US officials were among the longest in the past year lasting over 24 hours Despite the lack of a final agreement he emphasised that diplomacy remains ongoingBaqaei pointed to the complexity of the issues involved including regional concerns and maritime security as well as Iranrsquos nuclear programme He indicated that while some progress was made on a multipoint proposal key disagreements prevented a breakthroughPakistanrsquos Role in Mediation AcknowledgedIranian officials also acknowledged the role of Pakistan in facilitating the talks Both Ghalibaf and Baqaei expressed appreciation for the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir in hosting and supporting the negotiationsRising Tensions Over Nuclear and Maritime IssuesThe developments come amid continued tensions over Iranrsquos nuclear ambitions and strategic control in the region including concerns related to the Strait of HormuzAdding to the pressure US President Donald Trump recently shared an article suggesting the possibility of a naval blockade against Iran further signalling the deepening deadlock between the two sidesAs diplomatic efforts remain inconclusive and digital restrictions persist Iran continues to face both internal disruption and external geopolitical pressureWith inputs from ANI