Iran is experiencing what monitoring organization Netblocks has identified as the longest continuous internet shutdown in any country's history, according to Swedish media reports. The 37-day disruption, which was ongoing as of April 5, 2026, surpasses all previous national internet blackouts worldwide. Netblocks reportedly stated that while longer shutdowns have occurred in the past, those were either regional or intermittent in nature.
The organization noted that even North Korea, which maintains strict internet controls, has never been completely disconnected from the global network for such an extended period. The reports did not specify the reasons for the shutdown or provide details about which regions of Iran were affected, but characterized the disruption as unprecedented in its duration.
while longer shutdowns have occurred in the past, those were either regional or intermittent in nature
even North Korea, which maintains strict internet controls, has never been completely disconnected from the global network for such an extended period