GPS disruptions plague Iranian citizens after conflict with Israel
- The conflict between Iran and Israel that began in mid-June 2025 resulted in significant GPS disruptions across Iran.
- The Iranian Ministry of Communications cited security reasons for these ongoing disruptions but has not provided further details.
- The prolonged GPS interference has created daily challenges for ordinary Iranians, severely impacting navigation and local businesses.
In Iran, the aftermath of the intense conflict with Israel has led to significant GPS disruptions, persisting for nearly two months since the initial violent outbreak in mid-June 2025. This disruption began following Israel's surprise attack that ignited a 12-day conflict, and has resulted in widespread interference affecting both civilian and military navigation across the country. Individuals, particularly in urban areas like Tehran, are experiencing profound inconveniences due to the malfunctioning GPS signals, which are essential for daily activities such as driving and conducting business. The Iranian government, specifically the Ministry of Communications, has cited 'security and military reasons' as the explanation for these disruptions, yet they have not provided detailed information on the exact nature of these measures. This lack of transparency has left many residents frustrated and confused, particularly those reliant on GPS technology to carry out their professional responsibilities. The ongoing interference has posed considerable challenges for civilians who rely on navigation apps for transportation and delivery services. Experts have highlighted that while Iran has a history of jamming or hacking satellite signals near sensitive military sites, the current scale and duration of these disruptions are unprecedented. The impact is felt acutely in Tehran's already congested streets, where drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate effectively without functional GPS. This added stress is causing economic implications for businesses that depend heavily on location services, further worsening the situation for ordinary Iranians during this recovery phase post-conflict. As the situation continues without a clear resolution or timeline for the restoration of normal GPS services, the long-term consequences on daily life, local commerce, and overall public sentiment remain uncertain. The Iranian populace faces an uphill battle navigating through the dual challenges of military conflict repercussions and the current technological limitations that are hindering their ability to carry on with their usual routines.