IRAN'S $80M DAILY INTERNET BLACKOUT SPLITS GOVERNMENT

The blackout has exposed a rare public rift within Iran's power structure. The country's security apparatus initiated the sweeping internet restrictions, while civilian government officials have pushed back against the costly measure. The economic toll is significant. At $80 million daily, the blackout represents a major drain on Iran's economy during a period already marked by international sanctions and financial pressure. This division reflects broader tensions between Iran's military-dominated security sector and its civilian administration over policy direction. The civilian government's opposition suggests concerns about both the economic impact and the precedent being set. The blackout's duration and scope remain among the most severe internet disruptions globally in recent years. It affects billions of internet users and has disrupted commerce, communications, and critical services across the nation. The disagreement underscores how costly internet shutdowns can be, making them potential leverage points in internal governmental disputes.