As the war between Israel and Iran hits the one-week mark, Iranians have spent nearly half of the conflict in a near-communication blackout, unable to connect not only with the outside world but also with their neighbors and loved ones across the country.

Civilians are left unaware of when and where Israel will strike next, despite Israeli forces issuing warnings through their Persian-language online channels. When the missiles land, disconnected phone and web services mean not knowing for hours or days if their family or friends are among the victims. That’s left many scrambling on various social media apps to see what’s happening — again, only a glimpse of life able to reach the internet in a nation of over 80 million people.

Activists see it as a form of psychological warfare for a nation all-too familiar with state information controls and targeted internet shutdowns during protests and unrest.

    • Djehngo@lemmy.world
      2·
      10 days ago

      I got one via YouTube, I think I was so shocked to see that wars have pr campagins and advertising spend now that I forgot the actual details.

      Theme gist was that Iran developing nuclear weapons was a threat to world stability and isreal was stepping up to do what had to be done etc. etc.

      No mention of Islam but given it’s a PR campaign I would be surprised if they connected race or religion to their motivation for bombing.