Strange Voicemails in Iran Tied to Regime’s Internet Shutdown Efforts
Individuals attempting to reach friends and family in Iran have encountered peculiar, pre-recorded voice messages, which experts suspect are linked to the Iranian government’s broader internet blackout. In one instance reported by CNN, a caller from outside Iran, expecting to connect with a loved one, heard a robotic voice saying, “Hello, and thank you for taking the time to listen.” The message, lasting about 90 seconds, spoke of life’s surprises, urging listeners to find inner strength and imagine a peaceful place. These messages, with slight variations, were commonly heard on Wednesday and Thursday when calling mobile phones in Iran, but not landlines.
The phenomenon coincided with Iran’s temporary nationwide internet restrictions, imposed on Wednesday for security reasons, which disrupted platforms like WhatsApp. As a result, people abroad resorted to direct calls, only to encounter these messages, which were absent when using apps. Some Iranians initially suspected an Israeli cyberattack, but others believe the Iranian authorities are responsible.
Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, a group monitoring internet governance, told CNN the messages are likely part of Iran’s efforts to control telecommunications amid internet censorship. He explained that when internet access is cut, calls are redirected to automated fallback messages, a pattern seen globally during internet shutdowns. Toker noted the messages appear to be hastily generated text-to-speech recordings, configured as standard gateway responses for unanswered calls.
A UK-based telecommunications expert, who reviewed a recording and requested anonymity for safety, told CNN the calls are intercepted after the second ring, indicating deliberate network-level interference before a connection is established. Neither Iran nor Israel has commented publicly on the messages.
By Saturday, NetBlocks reported partial restoration of international internet services in Iran after roughly 62 hours of severe disruption, though connectivity remained below normal, limiting communication and access to independent information. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency initially claimed services would resume by 8 p.m. Saturday, citing the communications minister, but later retracted the statement. The ministry noted that Iranians abroad could now use domestic messaging apps to contact family in Iran. Iran has a history of restricting internet access, notably during the 2022 nationwide protests to suppress dissent.