Iran Closes Schools Nationwide, Shifts to Online Learning Amid Internet Blackout and Military Tensions

Iran's Ministry of Education has suspended all in-person classes across the country, transitioning to remote instruction through a state-controlled platform and television broadcasts starting April 21. The decision comes as the nation grapples with damaged school infrastructure, a near-total internet shutdown, and heightened security concerns.

The directive, announced by Iran's Ministry of Education last week, mandates that all educational institutions nationwide—encompassing every grade level and school type—cease physical classroom operations indefinitely. Beginning April 21, lessons will be delivered exclusively through an authorized online platform and via the state television channel "Iran TV School."

Widespread School Damage from Military Strikes

The suspension follows significant infrastructure damage sustained during recent military operations. According to the Organization for School Renovation, Development, and Equipment, attacks attributed to the United States and Israel have damaged over 640 educational facilities across 17 provinces. Among these, approximately 250 buildings sustained severe damage requiring complete reconstruction, while at least 15 schools are deemed irreparable and must be entirely rebuilt.

The country remains in a precarious state following a fragile ceasefire that ended six weeks of sustained airstrikes, with the possibility of renewed military action creating ongoing uncertainty.

Internet Restricted to National Intranet

Contributing to the educational disruption is Iran's dramatic internet restriction. NetBlocks, a London-based internet monitoring organization, documented record-breaking nationwide connectivity outages in the period leading up to April 21. Currently, the country operates largely on a national intranet—a heavily censored domestic network disconnected from global internet infrastructure.

Prior to the blackout, Iran already maintained stringent internet controls, blocking numerous social media platforms and forcing users to employ virtual private networks (VPNs) to access restricted content.

"The internet blockade in Iran will most likely never be fully lifted," states Amir Rashidi, a cybersecurity expert and director of the Miaan Group, a U.S.-based organization focused on human rights and digital freedom in Iran and the Middle East and North Africa region.

Rashidi explains that Iranian authorities have long pursued the development of a completely isolated intranet designed to maintain comprehensive state control over digital communications, preventing citizens from organizing protests, communicating freely, or sharing demonstration footage. Paradoxically, the restricted network still permits access to certain services such as food-delivery and ride-sharing applications.

Severe Challenges for Disadvantaged Students

The transition to virtual education presents formidable obstacles, particularly for students from low-income families and underdeveloped regions. Rashidi notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Iran implemented limited remote teaching through apps operating on the national network. However, infrastructure deficiencies in regions such as Sistan and Baluchistan severely limit internet availability.

"Most Iranians access the internet via mobile phones," Rashidi explains. "These disadvantaged regions have fewer smartphones and even fewer laptops—devices essential for students to participate in online learning."

During the pandemic, domestic and international organizations launched fundraising initiatives to provide refurbished devices to underserved students. However, escalating unemployment, economic hardship, and inflation resulting from the conflict have substantially diminished local support efforts.

Television as Educational Backup

To address connectivity gaps, authorities have incorporated "Iran TV School" broadcasts into the curriculum. According to the semiofficial Fars News Agency, mathematics classes for seventh through ninth graders air at 2:00 p.m., followed by physics instruction for twelfth graders at 6:00 p.m.

Parliamentary Response and Future Plans

Parliament is actively debating strategies to rapidly expand the national information network infrastructure, increase bandwidth allocation for educational institutions, and develop standardized digital learning materials.

Alireza Manadi Sefidan, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Research, has advocated for increased investment to strengthen distance learning capabilities in both schools and universities nationwide.

As the national intranet increasingly becomes the foundation of public services, significant portions of Iran's population find themselves substantially isolated from global information sources and international communications.