Israeli officials warn that Iran’s ongoing internet blackout is shaping the battlefield in ways that extend far beyond cyberspace, limiting visibility of the impact of U.S. and Israeli attacks while tightening the regime’s grip on its own people.
ISRAEL HAMMERS IRANIAN INTERNAL SECURITY COMMAND CENTERS TO OPEN THE DOOR TO UPRISING
Strikes against the Iranian leadership, the IRGC and Iranian naval vessels and oil infrastructure have roiled markets. (Sasan/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
According to the official, the information vacuum within Iran is being filled by state-controlled narratives.
“Iranians only know what they see on TV channels controlled by the Islamic regime, which falsely portrays the destruction of the US and Israel,” the Israeli official said.
But the impact goes beyond perception. The power outage also has consequences for behavior on the ground.
“And it’s not just about what people see, it’s about what they can do,” the official said. “The loss of the internet means people can no longer communicate, share what is really happening and organize themselves.”
The restrictions come as the Iranian regime faces both external military pressure and continued internal unrest following a brutal crackdown earlier in 2026. In January, security forces opened fire on nationwide protests, with reports suggesting the death toll could exceed 30,000 within days.
Against that backdrop, Israeli officials say the blackout reflects the regime’s fear of renewed unrest.
“The Iranian people are one of the things the regime fears most, which is why this blackout was such a priority,” the official said.
THE IRAN REGIME HIDES ITSELF IN BUNKERS AS CITIZENS EXPOSED WITHOUT ADEQUATE BOMB HELTERS OR SIRENS
Iran’s internet outage continues with heavy filtering despite partial restoration, costing more than $780 million, according to analyst Simon Migliano. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)
The result, according to Israeli officials, is a war that is taking place largely out of public view.
“This is one of the least visible wars in modern history because very little footage is released,” the official said. “When this blackout is lifted, the full extent of the damage to the regime will become apparent. Right now we are seeing only a small glimpse of how badly they are being decimated.”
Israeli sources also directly linked the blackout to high-value military targets.
The US and Israel, the officials claim, “have removed 25 senior commanders from the MOIS,” referring to Iran’s Intelligence Ministry. “The majority were eliminated during the opening strike when they gathered for a rally,” the official said, adding that the targets were involved in controlling the blackout.
The official identified Esmail Khatib as one of the dead, describing him as “the Minister of Intelligence, who was the man who signed the blackout.”
IRAN MOVED HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS INTO CRYPTO DURING NATIONAL INTERNET BLACKOUT, REPORT REVEALS
Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. (MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
American analysts say the information domain is becoming a central front in the conflict.
John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, wrote on X that “Iran has repeatedly cut off internet access to control its population. That capability can be reversed.”
Spencer argued that external actors could shift the balance by targeting regime communications while enabling civilian connectivity.
“Disrupt the regime’s command networks while enabling connectivity for the population through remote systems. Information becomes a weapon. Control of the narrative, coordination and consciousness is shifting away from the regime,” he wrote.
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Iranian security forces reportedly killed prisoners and burned bodies during protests. Clashes in Kermanshah, Rasht and Mashhad continued despite government claims. (NCRI)
He also pointed to the underlying instability within Iran, noting that the country’s population “is more than 85 million people, young, urban and repeatedly dissatisfied,” with protest activity indicating that a significant portion opposes the regime.
“Until now, citizens have largely been told to shelter in place,” Spencer wrote. “That could change.”
