Tehran, April 12 (ANI): Amid stalled high-level peace talks between Tehran and Washington, Iran continues to face severe digital isolation as a nationwide internet blackout entered its 44th day on Sunday.
According to data from internet watchdog NetBlocks, the ongoing disruption has surpassed all previous global benchmarks for connectivity interference. Earlier this month, the organization classified the situation as the longest nationwide internet shutdown ever recorded in a sovereign state.
Highlighting the consequences, NetBlocks said on social media platform X that the “human and economic impacts of the extended censorship measure continue to pile up,” breaking global records for shutdowns in a connected society.
The blackout was initiated by Iranian authorities shortly after the first military strikes by the United States and Israel. Since the onset of the conflict, officials have maintained a near-total block on external digital access for the population.
This period of enforced disconnection follows a similar pattern earlier this year. In January, the country experienced a weeks-long internet blackout imposed by the government in response to nationwide anti-government protests.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf commented on the outcome of high-stakes diplomatic discussions held in Pakistan.
Expressing skepticism, Ghalibaf said he had emphasized before the talks that while Iran possessed “good faith and will,” past experiences from two previous wars had eroded trust in the opposing side.
Reflecting on the outcome, he stated that the opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations. He also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for facilitating the talks and extended his regards to its people.
Providing further details, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the engagement with U.S. officials marked the longest round of negotiations in the past year, lasting approximately 24 to 25 hours through a Pakistani mediator.
Baqaei maintained that diplomacy remains an essential tool to safeguard national interests, even in an atmosphere marked by mistrust and uncertainty following weeks of conflict.
He noted that recent military actions by the United States and Israel made a breakthrough unlikely due to the complexity of the issues and circumstances. He added that the agenda had expanded to include regional concerns, such as the Strait of Hormuz.
While some progress was made on a 10-point proposal, disagreements over key issues prevented a final agreement, he said.
Baqaei also thanked Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir for their efforts and hospitality during the negotiations.
The developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting a potential naval blockade against Iran, with both countries remaining deadlocked over Tehran’s nuclear program and strategic maritime control. (ANI)
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