Light emerges in Iran as internet blackout lifted

Though the internet blackout has at last been lifted in Iran, concerns about how the government might increase surveillance are on the rise. Please continue to pray for Iranian citizens as they experience hope mingled with fear.

Life for Iran’s people continues to be extremely difficult as they continue to carry the burdens of political conflict and increasing deprivation. Yet, in such grief and fear comes a moment of hope for Iran’s people: the near-total internet blackout has finally been lifted.  

The barrier that was raised between the nation and the world beyond its borders has been described as one of the longest and most extensive blackouts ever recorded in the country. Naturally, citizens are responding to the loosened restraints with scepticism, knowing that such renewed freedoms demand upmost caution – especially for believers. 

Many are stepping back into connectivity carefully, fearful of tighter surveillance and new systems of online control designed to monitor the population more closely. There are also suspicions of the government stepping towards a national intranet to separate people from the global web.  

Revitalised 

Yet, mixed with this scepticism and the exhaustion brought on by the past months is a defiant hope. For Christians and underground house churches, the restoration of internet has revitalised and brought fresh vigour to many of them. Under the blackout, communication between Iranians in the country and Christians outside was cut off – including contact between ministry workers outside and believers inside. 

Afshin* keenly remembers the devastation many experienced at the start of the year. “The mass killing of people in January and the internet blackout brought a huge wave of depression.” As well as preventing people from connecting with the outside world, Afshin believes that the blackout instilled a national isolation; families were prevented from communicating with loved ones and many believers were cut off from desperately needed spiritual support.  

Rahab* felt the surge of relief that came with being able to connect with others again. “It is a joy. Last night, I could find and watch a sermon in my Farsi language through social media,” she exults. “I feel I am revitalised. Now I can get hold of other believers and know what’s going on with my brothers and sisters.” 

“True hope and joy” 

But with greater online permissions comes the heightened need for security awareness. Any connection between secret believers online could expose them and entire church networks – which is why your prayers are continually needed for our Iranian brothers and sisters. 

Ultimately, reconnection is a grace in a time of deep need but not the final solution, according to Afshin. “Appearing online again is a temporary medicine,” he explains. “The sorrow of the Iranian people is beyond this. Only God can set Iranian people free and give them true hope and joy.” 

*Names changed for security reasons