Iran's internet shutdown is crushing businesses in an already battered economy
Iran has maintained a near-total internet shutdown for most of 2026, severely impacting its already struggling economy. Businesses reliant on online platforms have seen revenues vanish, with daily economic losses estimated at $30-40 million. The blackout, initially imposed during anti-government protests and extended due to regional conflict, has disrupted livelihoods across sectors including fashion, fitness, and e-commerce.
- ▪Iran's 90 million people have been largely cut off from the global internet since early 2026, marking one of the world's most extensive national shutdowns.
- ▪The internet blackout is costing Iran's economy an estimated $30-40 million per day, with indirect losses likely doubling that figure.
- ▪Fashion designer Amen Khademi and fitness coach Farnaz Ojaghloo are among the many Iranians who have lost income due to the shutdown, which has disabled online businesses and platforms.
- ▪Online retailer DigiKala laid off 200 employees, citing the impact of the internet blackout on its operations.
- ▪Around 10 million Iranians hold jobs dependent on internet connectivity, according to the country's communications minister.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onIran's internet shutdown is crushing businesses in an already battered economyIran’s 90 million people have been cut off from the global internet for most of 2026, one of the world’s longest and strictest national shutdownsByNASSER KARIMI Associated Press, MEHDI FATTAHI Associated Press, and AMIR-HUSSEIN RADJY Associated PressMay 1, 2026, 1:09 AM1:34Fashion designer Amen Khademi takes a photo with her cellphone of model Farnaz Ojaghloo wearing a jacket she designed with Persian-inspired motifs at her studio in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, April 23, 2026.
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