Iranian security forces have intensified raids on private homes to confiscate Starlink equipment as peace negotiations between Iran and the United States continue on June 27, 2026, in Switzerland. The raids, conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, police, and the Ministry of Intelligence, have resulted in violent confrontations causing injury or death.

More than 75 million internet users in Iran are experiencing restricted online access. Internet access has been gradually restored over the four weeks preceding June 27, 2026, following a nationwide internet shutdown on January 8, 2026. Internet speeds have declined since the restoration of access, and access to Instagram and TikTok remains difficult, even with VPN services.

A source familiar with Iran's communications sector stated that the government reopened the internet under conditions imposed by the Supreme National Security Council on the Supreme Council of Cyberspace. "One of the main conditions was that the quality of access to, and control over, the global internet be altered in such a way that it becomes far more manageable and controllable," the source said. The source added, "VPNs are also being heavily monitored and tracked, and in practice, bypassing censorship has become considerably more difficult than before."

Estimates suggest approximately 500,000 people across Iran, mainly in northern Tehran, have access to Starlink. Bringing Starlink equipment into Iran has become more difficult and carries harsher penalties. Many people in Iran cannot access Starlink due to its rising cost.

The January internet shutdown lasted 88 days and was described by outside monitors as one of the longest nationwide blackouts ever recorded. Security agencies utilized the reopening of the internet to identify opponents and individuals communicating with journalists abroad. Niko, a young protester in Tehran, said, "At the same time, if you used government-approved applications while your VPN was active, you could be immediately identified, and they could cut off your access." Niko also said, "If they cut the internet again, our situation will become even worse."

Communication with human rights and civil society activists inside Iran remains severely restricted, and many have faced threats and intimidation. Tara Dachek, a human rights activist based in Canada, said, "The scope of filtering has expanded to such an extent that communications that were previously possible can no longer be achieved."

Iran employs a tiered internet system that categorizes users into different levels of access. One group, generally associated with intelligence institutions, has unrestricted access. A second group, comprised of regime agents and officials, can access most internet content, excluding certain blacklisted websites. A third group experiences greater restrictions but can still access platforms such as X. Ordinary citizens, who constitute the majority of users, primarily have access to approved material and Islamic Republic applications.