Iran Vows Tougher Crackdown on Elon Musk’s Starlink, Calls Satellite Internet a ‘Tool of War’
Tehran: Iran has vowed to intensify its crackdown on Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, describing the technology as a “tool of war” allegedly used by the country’s adversaries for military coordination, espionage and intelligence gathering. The announcement comes amid continuing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with Iranian authorities also signalling the possibility of further restrictions on internet access.
Mohammad Amin Aghamiri, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Cyberspace Council, said the government had several systems to disrupt Starlink satellite terminals. He did not disclose technical details about the systems but indicated that authorities intended to continue efforts to restrict the service.
The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera on October 14, 2026, highlight the growing confrontation between the Iranian government and satellite-based communication services that can operate outside the country’s conventional internet infrastructure.
Iran Describes Starlink as a Security Threat
Starlink provides internet connectivity through a network of low-Earth-orbit satellites. Unlike conventional internet services that depend heavily on local telecommunications infrastructure, the system allows users with compatible terminals to connect through satellites.
This capability has made Starlink particularly significant in countries where governments impose internet restrictions or shut down domestic networks during periods of political unrest or conflict.
Iranian officials argue that the technology presents a national security risk because it can enable communications outside government-controlled networks. Aghamiri claimed that adversaries could use the service for command and control, espionage and intelligence collection.
These statements represent the Iranian authorities’ position. They do not independently establish that Starlink is being used for all the military purposes alleged by the government.
Iran has sought to maintain greater control over online communications through filtering, restrictions on international platforms and the promotion of domestic digital services. The spread of satellite internet has complicated these efforts because it can provide an alternative connection when local networks are disrupted.
Heavy Penalties for Using or Distributing Starlink
Starlink is prohibited in Iran on national security grounds. According to Al Jazeera’s reporting, using or possessing the equipment can result in prison sentences ranging from six months to two years.
Importing or distributing Starlink terminals carries penalties of up to five years in prison. The report also states that cases involving national security or espionage allegations can expose individuals to the death penalty under the applicable legal provisions.
The possibility of capital punishment is linked to those additional charges and should not be interpreted as an automatic penalty for every person found using Starlink.
The restrictions create significant risks for people seeking access to uncensored international internet services. They also place pressure on individuals and businesses that rely on online communication to exchange information, access international platforms or maintain contact with people outside Iran.
Iranian authorities have encouraged residents to use domestic digital platforms supported by the National Information Network, the country's internal internet infrastructure.
Officials have also discussed a model in which selected groups, including some traders, researchers and journalists, could receive different levels of access to international internet services. However, the government has not announced a clear timetable for introducing such changes.
Iran Uses Multiple Methods to Disrupt Satellite Connections
A telecommunications expert based in Tehran told Al Jazeera that Iranian authorities use several methods to interfere with Starlink connections. These reportedly include signal jamming, interference with GPS signals and efforts to identify Starlink-related internet traffic when devices connect to local applications and services.
Authorities have also reportedly attempted to locate and seize satellite terminals through patrols, searches and raids on suspected distribution points.
Aghamiri said Iran had used a system to disrupt Starlink during nationwide protests in January 2026 and claimed the country possessed additional measures to counter the service. Iranian officials have also suggested that the technology used to disrupt satellite terminals could be shared with aligned countries.
Independent assessments of the full effectiveness of these measures remain important, as interference can vary by location and operating conditions. The Iranian government's statements about successful disruption should therefore be distinguished from independently verified assessments of the service's availability.
Starlink During Internet Shutdowns
Starlink has become an important communications option during internet shutdowns in several parts of the world. In Iran, the service has enabled some users to access international websites and share information during periods when conventional internet connections were heavily restricted.
Iran experienced a nationwide internet shutdown during protests in January 2026 and another extended disruption after the conflict involving the United States and Israel began in February, according to Al Jazeera.
The restrictions have affected access to international websites, messaging services and other online platforms. Some Iranians use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to bypass internet filtering, although these tools may be unreliable or difficult to access during a complete shutdown.
Satellite connectivity offers another possible route to the global internet, but Starlink equipment remains expensive and difficult to obtain in Iran. The service is also subject to interference and the risk of confiscation.
The number of terminals operating in the country is not publicly established. Reports have indicated that devices have been smuggled into Iran, but precise figures remain uncertain.
Iran Raises the Issue Internationally
Iran has also pursued the issue through international telecommunications channels. According to Al Jazeera, Tehran has raised concerns with the International Telecommunication Union’s Radio Regulations Board regarding Starlink transmissions.
On October 4, Iranian officials summoned Norway’s ambassador to protest what they described as a failure to address unauthorised Starlink operations. The dispute reflects Iran’s efforts to challenge the service not only through domestic enforcement but also through diplomatic and regulatory channels.
Starlink operates through SpaceX, a US-based company founded by Elon Musk. The company’s technology has become an important subject in international debates over communications, national sovereignty and access to information during conflict.
Satellite internet services can support emergency communications and provide access when traditional infrastructure fails. At the same time, governments may view such services as a challenge to their ability to regulate communications within their borders.
Further Internet Restrictions Remain Possible
Iranian officials have warned that additional restrictions on international internet access could be introduced if the conflict intensifies. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has said that authorities sometimes reduce internet speeds to protect national infrastructure and databases from cyberattacks.
The government has also discussed possible changes to its policies on certain international applications. However, officials have not provided a confirmed timetable for lifting existing restrictions, and security concerns continue to shape internet policy.
The latest statements suggest that the dispute over Starlink will remain part of Iran’s wider efforts to control online communications during a period of heightened regional tension.
For now, Iranian authorities say they intend to continue disrupting the satellite service and enforcing restrictions on its use and distribution. The extent to which these measures will limit access remains uncertain, particularly as users seek alternative ways to communicate during internet shutdowns.
The issue highlights a broader international debate over whether satellite internet should be treated primarily as a communications service, a national security concern or both. It also demonstrates how access to digital information has become increasingly important during political unrest and armed conflict.
