Tehran: Iran's internet shutdown since the outbreak of anti-government protests has caused daily economic losses exceeding $20 million per day, according to the country's leading technology industry body.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ali Hakim-Javadi, head of Iran's Computer Engineers Organization, stated to the news website Entekhab that digital companies and IT service providers are the most heavily affected sectors since the shutdown on Jan. 8. Businesses that rely on continuous access to the global internet have experienced a sharp decline in transactions, with some companies forced to halt operations entirely.

Hakim-Javadi emphasized that the economic damages, estimated at approximately $20.6 million per day, only account for 'direct' losses. He warned that broader indirect damages, such as erosion of investor confidence, declining international rankings, capital flight, and brain drain, are not included in the estimate.

President Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned last Sunday that he had submitted recommendations to Iran's Supreme National Security Council, urging the lifting of internet restrictions as soon as possible. Protests in Iran began late last month due to the sharp depreciation of the national currency and worsening economic conditions, initially starting in Tehran and spreading to other cities.

Pressure on Iran from the US and Israel has increased, with Tehran accusing Washington of using sanctions, political pressure, and unrest to create a pretext for military intervention and regime change.