Reporting Under Siege: How Journalists in Iran Are Adapting to Internet Blackouts

The Landscape of Journalism Amidst Crisis

The recent coordinated airstrikes executed by Israeli and American forces in Tehran left a profound impact, resulting in the death of key Iranian officials, including the supreme leader, Ali al-Khamenei. As chaos ensued, Iran responded swiftly with a near-total internet blackout, isolating the nation from crucial global communications. Mostafa Zadeh, a Tehran-based journalist, notes that this is not unfamiliar territory.

“It's very similar to the state's response to the January security crackdown and to the unrest that preceded it,” he states, underscoring the Iranian government's recurrent tactic of severing internet access to maintain control.

At its core, this blackout is more than a technological issue; it's a crucial barrier to transparency. Journalists and local media face the daunting reality of working without access to basic digital tools. Zadeh emphasizes, “The right to information is always the first casualty when the government prioritizes its security objectives.”

Historical Context of Information Control

For those following Iran's geopolitical landscape, this tactic may seem like part of a larger historical pattern. The authorities routinely limit internet access during crises. In a manner reminiscent of the 2022 protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, the current blackout significantly disrupts the flow of information.

This modus operandi not only impacts journalists but also affects ordinary citizens and activists, who are caught in a difficult decision: risk severe consequences to document reality or succumb to silence.

• In July 2025, Iran executed over a thousand people, a staggering figure mirrored too closely by the increasing risks faced by journalists today. These executions highlight a wider narrative of suppression.
• The adoption of strict espionage laws in late 2025 further escalated the stakes for those reporting on sensitive matters.

Innovative Strategies Amidst Constraints

The lack of internet access has pushed journalists to become increasingly creative. Strategies now include using satellite communications and encrypted messaging apps like Signal. For many, these measures are vital for survival and honesty in reporting.

Erfan Khorshidi, a human rights advocate who frequently collaborates with journalists in Iran, has developed a network to smuggle satellite communication devices into the country. This allows for a semblance of real-time communication:

“It's the only means that allows rights organizations to relay accurate and reliable information to the outside world,” he shares. “Before Starlink, internet blackouts left massive gaps in the documentation of human rights violations.”

The Role of Satellite Imagery

Interestingly, amidst the chaos, advanced technology such as satellite imagery is also becoming an indispensable ally. Journalists have learned to leverage commercial imagery from providers like Maxar Technologies to assess damage and verify reports when traditional methods fail.

Baqir Salehi, a journalist working with a European media outlet, reveals his approach:

“I always note the margin of error, and never publish numerical casualty estimates based on satellite imagery alone,” he insists, remaining committed to ethical journalism despite the obstacles.

He uses these images to verify scale and corroborate testimonies, maintaining integrity in reporting.

The Human Cost of Dissent

However, relying on these methods is not without significant challenges. Coordinating a network of informants and managing the flow of critical information can be a daily battle. The stakes escalate even higher when considering the potential repercussions of detection.

With the Basij paramilitary forces patrolling streets aggressively, Khorshidi comments, “My biggest concern today is that a team member might be arrested while traveling from Tehran to another city to use Starlink devices.” This reality encapsulates the grave risks many journalists face daily.

The Urgent Need for Resilience

The ongoing struggle to maintain the flow of information in Iran offers poignant insight into the broader implications for free speech and human rights. The courage displayed by local journalists and activists is nothing short of inspiring. Despite the severe constraints under which they operate, their resolve to document the truth shines through.

As we continue to follow developments, it's crucial to remember the human stories behind these headlines — the journalists who risk everything to ensure that the world knows what's happening inside Iran.

This story originally appeared on WIRED Middle East.