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Iran's Revolutionary Guard Calls for Halt on WhatsApp Sharing Amid Rising Tensions
In response to a series of intense Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has issued a directive urging citizens to stop sharing videos and images on WhatsApp. This directive aligns with broader restrictions on internet services across Iran, which have seen significant disruptions, including partial or total outages and slow connectivity affecting various platforms.
The decision to restrict WhatsApp, which was unbanned in December 2024 after years of prohibition, marks Tehran's intensified efforts to control the flow of information following Israel's unprecedented military operation known as "Operation Rising Lion." This operation involved over 200 fighter jets and more than 330 different weapons striking over 350 targets in Iran, resulting in the deaths of prominent Iranian military leaders, including Major General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard.
These developments have heightened tensions in the region, with Israel advising its citizens to remain vigilant due to fears of Iranian retaliation. In response, Iran has deployed drones reportedly crossing Iraqi airspace towards Israeli territory, indicating a potential escalation in hostilities.
The Iranian government’s renewed internet clampdown, including the ban on WhatsApp, aims to limit the spread of footage and reports related to the ongoing conflict. This move seeks to curb the dissemination of information that could incite unrest or expose military vulnerabilities. This shift represents a reversal from the partial easing of internet restrictions in late 2024, when authorities temporarily lifted bans on platforms like WhatsApp and Google Play to reduce digital censorship.
The current situation highlights the strategic importance of digital communication platforms in modern conflicts and underscores Tehran’s determination to control narratives amid escalating hostilities with Israel.
