Connectivity drops to 4% amid US-Israel strikes and retaliatory attacks
February 28, 2026: Amid an intensified US and Israeli bombing campaign, authorities in Iran have sharply restricted internet access, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The watchdog said national connectivity had fallen to just 4% of ordinary levels, describing it as a near-total blackout similar to restrictions imposed during last year’s conflict with Israel. Iran has previously curtailed internet services during periods of unrest and security crackdowns.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington had launched “major combat operations” targeting Iran’s missile capabilities, calling the strikes part of a massive and ongoing effort to eliminate imminent threats. He acknowledged the possibility of American casualties, describing it as a tragic but potential consequence of war. Iranian state media later reported retaliatory strikes against US targets in the Middle East, while explosions were heard in Tehran following overnight Israeli attacks.
Missile alerts sounded across Israel as civilians took shelter, with interceptors visible over Jerusalem and Haifa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tehran’s leadership of decades of hostility towards Israel and the United States. The escalation follows weeks of mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, with military strikes, counterattacks and communication disruptions now unfolding simultaneously.