Iran marks Nowruz under US-Israeli strikes amid internet blackout

Key facts

• Iran celebrated Nowruz on 20 March 2026 as US and Israeli warplanes conducted overnight and periodic bombardment.
• Spring equinox in Iran occurred at 18:15:59 local time (14:45:59 GMT) on 20 March 2026.
• Tehran’s air-defence batteries fired intermittently after the new-year moment in an apparent celebratory move.
• Iranian government allows citizens 30 litres of petrol daily via personal fuel cards and claims no fuel shortage despite depot bombings.
• State maintains near-total internet shutdown for 21st consecutive day, reducing connectivity to under 1 percent of previous levels.
• Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) documented over 7,000 deaths during January protests; UN special rapporteur Mai Sato estimates more than 20,000 civilian deaths.
• Iranian authorities executed three men, including 19-year-old national wrestling team member, and a Swedish dual national for alleged protest-related crimes and spying for Israel.