Iran Conflict May Hit Internet Too, Not Just Oil and Gas- India Could Feel the Impact

New Delhi: The impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran is no longer limited to oil and gas only, but the digital world is also under threat. According to reports, Iran has already imposed strict controls and shutdowns on the Internet several times and in the current situation it can be used as a strategic weapon. Its impact will not be limited to Iran only but can also affect the global internet network and countries like India.

Has Iran shut down the internet before?

Iran's internet shutdown is nothing new. As recently as February 2026, internet traffic dropped by nearly 98%, almost resulting in a nationwide blackout. The government has sometimes controlled the flow of information by shutting down the Internet during protests and military tensions.

Why does the Internet become a weapon during war?

Experts believe that by shutting down the Internet, governments can stop the flow of information. This neither reveals the picture of the events happening on the ground nor is it easy to organize the protest.
This strategy becomes more important during war because the enemy also gets less information through it.

Can the global internet network be affected?

The Middle East is home to many of the world's most important undersea internet cables. Due to the recent conflict, the threat to these cables and digital infrastructure has increased. If these are affected, internet speed, connectivity and data traffic may be affected all over the world.

What impact can this have on India?

India does not directly access the Internet from Iran, but global networks are interconnected. In such a situation, if the digital system of the Middle East is affected, then the internet speed in India may also slow down or some services may get interrupted. Apart from this, data routing and international server connectivity may also be affected.

Is there a danger of digital war?

Reports have also revealed that Iran has threatened to target tech infrastructure linked to the US, which is likely to cause large-scale digital disruption. If this happens, banking, online services and global tech systems may also be affected.

Can the situation become more serious in future?

Experts believe that if the conflict prolongs, the use of internet shutdowns and cyber attacks may increase further. In such a situation, the world may have to face not only energy crisis but also digital instability.