Disruption in Iranians’ Access to International SMS; Cause Remains Unclear

Users on social media have reported blockages of foreign SMS messages and restrictions in accessing OTP services.

According to Digiato, users say that due to recent blocking of foreign SMS—including verification codes from social networks and foreign messaging apps such as Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp—a portion of their daily activities has been disrupted. Some attribute responsibility to mobile operators, while others cite sanctions as the cause.

So far, no authority has provided a satisfactory explanation. Digiato is investigating the reasons behind this issue.

Mobile operators told Digiato that they are not involved in blocking OTP messages, and that the Communications Regulatory Authority can independently block this service without notifying operators. Attempts to contact regulatory officials have been unsuccessful.

This report will be updated as more reliable information becomes available.