Listen to the article
Iranian authorities have launched a campaign against Starlink users in an effort to prevent protest footage from leaking amid the government’s ongoing internet blockade, according to human rights organizations monitoring the situation.
The Iranian regime cut off public internet access last week as anti-government protests intensified across the country, leaving Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink as one of the few remaining channels through which Iranians can document and share evidence of the government’s violent crackdown.
Though Starlink remains illegal in Iran, human rights groups report they have successfully smuggled thousands of terminals into the country. While government efforts to restrict internet access have degraded connection quality, users are still managing to transmit footage to trusted contacts outside the country who can then share it on social media platforms, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
The current wave of protests in Iran began primarily over economic grievances, with citizens expressing outrage at soaring prices and demanding an end to the regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. What started as economic demonstrations has evolved into a broader challenge to the government’s authority.
Since the unrest began, the death toll has risen dramatically. Human rights monitors have confirmed at least 646 protesters killed, though many expect the actual figure to be significantly higher. Reuters cited an unnamed Iranian official who placed the death toll at approximately 2,000, highlighting the severity of the regime’s response.
President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he plans to speak with SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk about enhancing Starlink’s connectivity in Iran. “He’s very good at that kind of thing, he’s got a very good company,” Trump told reporters when asked about the possibility.
This wouldn’t be the first time Starlink has been deployed to support Iranian protesters. SpaceX previously collaborated with former President Joe Biden’s administration in 2022 to expand Starlink access during protests that erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old woman died after being detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code.
The White House confirmed on Monday that President Trump is considering military action against Iran in response to the regime’s violent crackdown. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that while diplomacy remains Trump’s preferred approach, “the president has shown he’s unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary.”
“He certainly doesn’t want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran. And unfortunately that’s something we are seeing right now,” Leavitt added.
The Iranian government’s targeting of Starlink users underscores the critical role that satellite internet technology plays in modern protest movements, particularly in regions where governments control traditional communications infrastructure. By providing an independent channel for information to flow out of the country, Starlink has become both a lifeline for protesters and a target for authorities seeking to contain information about their response.
Despite SpaceX having no official presence in Iran and Starlink being prohibited by the regime, the service has become increasingly important for civil society groups, journalists, and ordinary citizens seeking to document events in the country. Human rights organizations continue to work to expand access to these technologies despite the significant risks to users inside Iran.
When contacted by Fox News Digital regarding the situation, SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment about their operations related to Iran or plans to enhance service in the region.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
The Iranian government’s campaign against Starlink users is a blatant attempt to control the narrative and suppress the voices of its own citizens. This is a concerning assault on freedom of expression and the free flow of information.
I hope the international community can find ways to support Iranians and ensure they can access uncensored communication channels during this critical time.
The Iranian government’s crackdown on Starlink users is a concerning attack on free expression and the free flow of information. This is a critical time, and Iranians need access to uncensored communication channels.
I hope the international community can find ways to support Iranians and ensure they can document and share information about the protests despite the regime’s efforts to restrict internet access.
This is a concerning development. Access to the internet and free flow of information is crucial during times of unrest. Starlink has become a vital lifeline for Iranians to communicate with the outside world and document the crackdown.
I hope Starlink can continue to provide connectivity despite the Iranian regime’s efforts to restrict it. The world is watching, and transparency around the protests is essential.
This situation highlights the importance of technologies like Starlink in providing connectivity during internet shutdowns. It’s troubling to see the Iranian regime go to such lengths to restrict information about the protests.
I hope Starlink and other providers can continue to find ways to circumvent the government’s efforts to control internet access in Iran. Transparency is crucial during this crisis.
This is a disturbing development in the Iranian government’s efforts to suppress information about the ongoing protests. Starlink has become a vital lifeline for Iranians, and restricting access to it is a blatant attempt to control the narrative.
I hope Starlink and other providers can continue to find ways to circumvent the government’s restrictions and maintain connectivity for Iranians. Transparency is essential during this critical time.