Internet Shutdown Disrupts Iran’s Saffron Exports as Digital Blackout Enters 60th Day

TEHRAN, Apr 28: Iran’s saffron export industry is facing significant disruption due to an ongoing internet shutdown, with exporters reporting major communication and delivery challenges in international markets.

An industry official said on Tuesday that limited internet access has severely affected exporters’ ability to stay in contact with overseas buyers, coordinate shipments, and fulfill orders on time. The vice president of the Iran National Saffron Council said the communication breakdown has created operational bottlenecks across the sector.

The official also warned that the disruption is benefiting foreign competitors, particularly Afghanistan, which is reportedly selling saffron originating from Iran under its own branding in global markets, taking advantage of supply chain confusion.

Meanwhile, internet monitoring group NetBlocks said Iran’s “digital blackout” has now entered its 60th day, leaving large parts of the population disconnected from the global internet. In a statement on social media platform X, the group said the shutdown has persisted for more than 1,400 hours despite attempts to introduce restricted or tiered access for selected users.

The prolonged disruption has raised concerns over its impact on trade, digital communication, and Iran’s export-driven industries, particularly high-value agricultural products like saffron, which rely heavily on international connectivity for sales and logistics.

Also, Tehran police said they had discovered a residential unit “equipped with Starlink” in the Yousefabad district, alleging it was used as a “base for espionage activities.”