Citizens in Iran have been subjected to a continuous internet blackout for 57 days, marking exactly eight weeks since the regime severed the country’s digital access, the internet monitoring watchdog NetBlocks reported. The disruption, now entering its 57th day after 1,344 hours, “stifles the voices of Iranians, leaves friends and family out of touch and damages the economy,” the watchdog said.
The total blackout was implemented immediately following the joint US and Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. The prolonged shutdown has isolated the Iranian population from the global community amid significant regional instability.
Iran’s foreign minister Araghchi meets Pakistan Army chief Munir
April 25, 2026 3:28 pm
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Islamabad as Pakistan continued efforts to facilitate engagement between the US and Iran. The meeting, shown in a short video posted by the Iranian embassy, included Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, and ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam. Pakistan’s side included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials. There was no clarity on whether direct talks between Washington and Tehran would occur during the visit. PTI
No clarity on US-Iran talks as Islamabad stays under lockdown
April 25, 2026 1:17 pm
Large parts of Pakistan’s capital remained under a tight security lockdown for over a week, even as uncertainty persisted over the proposed second round of talks between the US and Iran. Arterial roads into Islamabad were sealed, the Red Zone housing key government buildings and diplomatic missions remained under a strict cordon, and the adjacent Blue Area saw deserted markets, supply shortages in cafes, and disrupted public transport. PTI
Trump to send envoys to Islamabad
April 25, 2026 12:01 pm
US envoys were expected to travel to Pakistan in a bid to salvage ceasefire talks with Tehran, even as Iran ruled out direct negotiations with US representatives during its top diplomat’s visit to Islamabad. AP
Iran says no direct talks with US in Islamabad planned
April 25, 2026 10:11 am
Iranian officials stated the foreign minister’s visit to Islamabad was an official engagement with Pakistani hosts to support mediation and seek peace in the region, and that no meeting with US representatives was planned. A tweet from the foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated the absence of direct talks. (Source: Iranian MFA social media)
US guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepts Iranian-flagged ship
April 25, 2026 8:23 am
The United States Central Command confirmed that the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) intercepted an “Iranian-flagged ship” on April 24 while it was attempting to sail to a port in Iran. The destroyer moved to halt the vessel’s progress, boarded it, and conducted an investigation. ANI
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lands in Islamabad
April 25, 2026 7:51 am
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad, expressing hope for talks focused on regional peace and stability. ANI
