Iran has been under a strict internet shutdown for 10 days, cutting off 92 million people from all online services, phone calls, and texting since January 8. The government says this move responds to so-called "externally directed terrorist operations," as stated by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Official sources revealed on January 15 that international internet access might remain blocked until the Iranian New Year in late March or longer. Observers from FilterWatch say Iran is setting up new rules to isolate its internet permanently. "There should be no expectation of reopening international internet access," they said, citing government insiders. Journalists also report no quick return of internet access. Iran has controlled the internet tightly for years by blocking many Western social media apps and news sites like BBC News. However, before this shutdown, many used VPNs to bypass restrictions. Human rights groups like Access Now warn that these shutdowns hide violent crackdowns on protesters that have happened many times since 2019. This current blackout is longer and more severe than past ones. Access Now called for a full internet return, stating it is vital for safety and transparency. The shutdown is also damaging Iran's economy, especially e-commerce. Reports from the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimate over 3,300 protesters have died, with over 24,000 arrested across 187 cities. Due to the internet loss, these numbers can't be independently confirmed. FilterWatch’s Amir Rashidi warns of a system where internet access is no longer automatic but granted through government approval. The infrastructure for such control has existed for years but is now being used more aggressively. Decisions on internet control are becoming secretive and handled mainly by security forces, rather than civilian bodies. Cyber attacks are a concern, possibly justifying harsh internet rules. Iran could be moving towards a system like China’s "Great Firewall" or Russia’s planned "kill switch" that limits internet to internal traffic only during crises. Experts believe Iran is mixing these models to isolate users unless approved by the government. New satellite internet services like Starlink complicate Iran’s control. Some Starlink terminals still work after government attempts to block them. Elon Musk’s company even waived fees for Iranian users. Despite these harsh controls, experts remain hopeful. New technologies like satellite phones and mesh networks that work without the internet may help Iranians stay connected. According to Professor Alan Woodward, "Internet access will be truly universal eventually, but it will always be cat and mouse for repressive regimes."