Israeli officials are warning that Iran’s ongoing internet blackout is shaping the battlefield in ways that extend far beyond cyberspace, limiting visibility into the impact of U.S. and Israeli strikes while tightening the regime’s grip on its own population.

Multiple Israeli sources told Fox News that the blackout is not only restricting information from leaving Iran but also preventing citizens from organizing internally, at a time when pressure on the regime is mounting. Attempts by civilians to access the internet through satellite services such as Starlink have been disrupted through jamming, according to Israeli officials, while hundreds of individuals suspected of using such terminals have been detained.

“This is a blackout on truth,” a senior Israeli intelligence official told Fox News. “The regime is hiding reality from its own people. They don’t want the Iranian people to see how badly they’re getting hit.” 

ISRAEL HAMMERS IRANIAN INTERNAL SECURITY COMMAND CENTERS TO OPEN DOOR TO UPRISING

The information vacuum inside Iran is being filled by state-controlled narratives, according to the official. 

“Iranians only know what they see on TV channels controlled by the Islamic regime, which falsely shows the U.S. and Israel being destroyed,” the Israeli official said.

But the impact goes beyond perception. The blackout is also affecting behavior on the ground. 

“And it’s not just about what people see, it’s about what they can do,” the official said. “Cutting the internet stops people from communicating, from sharing what’s really happening, and from organizing.” 

The restrictions come as the Iranian regime faces both external military pressure and lingering internal unrest following a brutal crackdown earlier in 2026. In January, security forces opened fire on nationwide protests, with reports suggesting the toll could be more than 30,000 killed in a matter of days. 

Against that backdrop, Israeli officials say the blackout reflects the regime’s fear of renewed unrest. 

“The Iranian people are one of the things the regime fears most,” the official said. “That’s why this blackout was such a priority.”

IRAN REGIME HIDES IN BUNKERS AS CIVILIANS LEFT EXPOSED WITHOUT ADEQUATE BOMB SHELTERS OR SIRENS

The result, according to Israeli officials, is a war that is unfolding largely out of public view. 

“This is one of the least visible wars in modern history because very little footage is coming out,” the official said. “When this blackout is lifted, the full extent of the damage to the regime will become clear. Right now, we’re only seeing a small glimpse of just how badly they’re being decimated.” 

Israeli sources also linked the blackout directly to high-value military targets. 

The U.S. and Israel, the official claims, “have taken out 25 senior commanders from the MOIS,” referring to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. 

“The majority (were) eliminated in the opening strike when they gathered for a meeting,” the official said, adding that those targeted were involved in managing the blackout.

The official identified Esmail Khatib as among those killed, describing him as “the minister of Intelligence who was the guy who signed off on the blackout.”

A senior U.S. administration official told Fox News Digital that, “President Trump wants a better life for the Iranian people — including unimpeded access to information. Unfortunately, the terrorist Iranian regime has a long, brutal history of oppressing its own people, but Operation Epic Fury continues to meet or surpass all of its benchmarks, and the entire region will be safer and more stable once these actions are complete.”

IRAN MOVES HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS IN CRYPTO DURING NATIONWIDE INTERNET BLACKOUT, REPORT REVEALS

U.S. analysts say the information domain is becoming a central front in the conflict. 

John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, wrote on X that “Iran has repeatedly shut down internet access to control its population. That capability can be reversed.”

Spencer argued that external actors could shift the balance by targeting regime communications while enabling civilian connectivity. 

“Disrupt regime command networks while enabling connectivity for the population through external systems. Information becomes a weapon,” he wrote. “Control of narrative, coordination, and awareness shifts away from the regime.”

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He also pointed to underlying instability inside Iran, noting that the country’s population is “over 85 million, young, urban, and repeatedly discontent,” with protest activity suggesting that a significant portion opposes the regime.

“Until now, civilians have largely been told to shelter,” Spencer wrote. “That could change.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Iranian mission to the United Nations, which responded, “no comment.”

Published on
31/03/2026 – 8:44 GMT+2

The EU is set to urge Israel to reverse course after its parliament approved a bill allowing the execution of Palestinian convicted of nationalistic killings.

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In a draft statement seen by Euronews, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warns the move marks a “grave regression” from Israel’s previous commitments under international law and the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The text, to be issued on behalf of the 27 member states, highlights “particular concern” over what it describes as the bill’s “de facto discriminatory character”.

“The EU urges Israel to abide by its previous principled position and its obligations under international law,” the draft seen exclusively by Euronews says.

It reiterates the bloc’s long-standing opposition to capital punishment, stating: “The death penalty is a violation of the right to life and cannot be carried out without breaching the absolute prohibition on torture and other ill-treatment.”

The legislation — the Penal Bill (Amendment: Death Penalty for Terrorists) — passed its final stage on Monday in the Knesset. It allows courts to impose a death sentence for terrorism offences or for “negating the existence of the State of Israel”.

Legal experts warn the measure is likely to be applied almost exclusively to Palestinians, rather than Jewish Israelis accused of similar acts.

The bill was approved by 62 lawmakers, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with 48 voting against. It was championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Under the law, judges can hand down death sentences without a request from prosecutors. In most cases, execution would be mandatory unless exceptional circumstances are recognised by the court.

Those sentenced would be held in separate facilities and denied family visits. According to Ben-Gvir, executions could take place within 90 days of sentencing.

The EU notes Israel has long maintained a de facto moratorium on executions, “leading by example in the region”.

Israel has carried out executions only twice: in 1962, when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was put to death, and in 1948, when officer Meir Tobianski was executed for treason — a conviction later overturned.

“Capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect and makes judicial errors irreversible,” the EU draft adds.

EU member states have until around 10:00 am Brussels today to propose amendments to the text.