Iran Imposes Limited Ban on Smartphones and Laptops

Iran has issued a sweeping restriction barring government officials and their security personnel from using electronic devices connected to communication networks. The measure, which took effect on Tuesday, includes a prohibition on mobile phones, smartwatches, laptops, and other network-enabled technology. While authorities have not provided an official explanation, the move is widely viewed as a response to recent high-profile security breaches.

This action follows a series of coordinated attacks, believed to be conducted by Israel, which have significantly impacted Iran’s military leadership. Iranian officials suspect that digital tracking through networked devices may have facilitated these operations, prompting the urgent restrictions. The semi-official Fars news agency first reported the development, though it did not cite any specific incidents or technical details behind the decision.

Public Communications Also Curtailed Amid Rising Tensions

On the same day, signs emerged that Iranian authorities were also imposing wider limitations on public communications. By Tuesday night, international calling appeared to be disabled from landline networks, effectively severing direct voice contact between Iranian residents and foreign countries. This measure was introduced without formal acknowledgment from the government.

Such communication blackouts have historical precedent in Iran. Similar steps were taken during periods of intense domestic unrest, such as the widespread anti-government protests in 2019, as well as during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, when national security was a top concern. The latest disruptions, however, coincide with heightened geopolitical pressure and growing fears of further foreign intelligence intrusions.

Alongside the telephone restrictions, internet users in Iran also reported difficulty accessing global websites. In contrast, locally hosted platforms continued to operate normally. This pattern is typically associated with activation of Iran’s national intranet, informally known as the “halal net.” This internal network allows authorities to control digital content and filter foreign access, effectively isolating domestic users from global online platforms.