a Amir* hasn’t slept in days. From his apartment in northern Tehran, the 23-year-old has spent nights searching for a vulnerable digital connection that can temporarily bypass the internet blackouts.

For 13 days, Iran has faced a nearly complete internet shutdown, severely limiting access to information since the onset of Israel’s strike until the latter part of Wednesday. However, a group of young Iranians tirelessly works to ensure their voices are heard beyond their borders.

“Using a VPN is no longer effective. To navigate this internet blackout, we’re relying on a special proxy link—essentially a ‘secret tunnel’ that channels messages through non-Iranian servers.

“These links are built into the app’s features […] They direct traffic from internal servers. Each link only works for a few hours before it fails. So, I’m constantly on the lookout for new ways to communicate with my people.”

The Iranian government blames external forces for restricting internet access during the conflict with Israel, claiming the network is being exploited for military purposes. A local source informed the Guardian that only correspondents from approved foreign media can access the internet.

While domestic messaging apps are operational, many young Iranians lack confidence in their security.

Amir remarked: “We have local apps, but they’re utterly unreliable. The government takes every opportunity to surveil us, particularly targeting student leaders.”

Last week, Amnesty International urged the authorities to lift the communication blackouts, stating it would “prevent individuals from finding safe routes, accessing vital resources, and sharing information.”

Another student leader, Leila*, 22, residing in Abbas Abado, north of Tehran, mentioned that she managed to connect again during the shutdown thanks to assistance from abroad. “My boyfriend in Europe sent me a composition link via text. Without it, nothing works. The internet sporadically operates for a few minutes before shutting down again.”

The blackout not only severed connections with the outside world but also complicated life amid the ongoing Israeli bombardment. “It feels like being enclosed by a wall,” remarked Tehran student Arash*. “We’ve lost the ability to assist each other with independent news while the sound of bombs contrasts sharply with the silence of state media.”

For Amir, the most alarming aspect is how the perception of war is becoming normalized. “We’re starting to treat this as normal,” he expressed, “but war is anything but normal.” He noted their recognition that the rattling of windows signifies either an air raid or an explosion.

The blackouts intensified his fears amid the war. “That’s what erases us… it makes us invisible. Yet here we are. We still wish to connect with a free world.”

* The name has been changed