Iran extends nationwide internet blackout — social media and VPNs blocked

Iran's Ministry of ICT has extended the internet blackout that began on Day 1. The Ministry of Intelligence has deployed additional DPI (deep packet inspection) to block VPNs. Wikipedia (citing confirmed reports) notes that the popular BadeSaba Calendar prayer app (5+ million downloads) was compromised by hackers — believed to be Israeli Unit 8200 — and sent push notifications in Persian urging military personnel and civilians to 'defect, lay down weapons, and join opposition forces.' The message reached an estimated 2-3 million active users before the app was pulled from app stores. The psychological operation is the most significant cyber/information warfare action of the conflict. IRGC intelligence announced arrests of 'foreign agents' responsible. Meanwhile, foreign journalists are relying on Starlink terminals smuggled into Iran — Iran's government has deployed signal-jamming units in Tehran and Isfahan to counter them. The blackout prevents Iranians from seeing uncensored casualty figures.