Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, finds itself embroiled in a complex situation involving U.S. Sanctions and the ongoing protests in Iran. While publicly expressing support for Iranian demonstrators and even providing Starlink satellite access during internet blackouts, the platform appears to have been simultaneously generating revenue from accounts linked to the Iranian government, potentially violating those same sanctions.
The findings, reported by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) and shared exclusively with WIRED, reveal that over two dozen X accounts allegedly operated by Iranian government officials, state agencies, and state-run news outlets possessed blue checkmarks – a feature exclusive to X Premium subscribers. These accounts were actively disseminating state-sponsored propaganda during a period when Iranian citizens faced restricted internet access. The premium service, costing $8 to $40 per month, also boosts the reach and engagement of posts, effectively amplifying the Iranian government’s message.
“The fact that Elon Musk is not just platforming these individuals, but taking their money to boost their content through these premium subscriptions and give them extra features also means he’s undermining the sanctions that the US and the Trump administration are actually applying,” Katie Paul, director of the TTP, told WIRED. This highlights a significant contradiction in Musk’s public stance and X’s business practices.
The timing of these revelations is particularly sensitive. The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened Iran with military action over its nuclear program and ballistic missile development. Providing a social media platform – and actively boosting the reach of – the Iranian government arguably undermines those efforts to exert pressure. The situation is further complicated by the recent escalation of tensions in the region and the ongoing economic crisis within Iran.
The protests in Iran began in late December , initially sparked by soaring inflation and economic hardship. They quickly broadened into widespread calls for regime change and an end to the 37-year reign of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Iranian government responded with a brutal crackdown, arresting tens of thousands and reportedly killing thousands more, though the true death toll remains unknown.
Musk’s initial response to the protests included publicly criticizing Khamenei and changing the Iranian flag emoji on X to the pre-1979 version, a symbol associated with the monarchy. He also offered free Starlink access to circumvent the government-imposed internet blackout. However, the TTP report suggests these actions were coupled with a financial benefit to the very regime he appeared to oppose.
Following inquiries from WIRED, X removed the blue checkmarks from several accounts belonging to Iranian officials. However, many of the identified accounts continued to display the premium verification badge at the time of reporting. This selective removal raises questions about the extent of the issue and X’s responsiveness to concerns about sanctions violations.
The White House deferred comment to the Treasury Department, which stated it does not comment on specific allegations but “we take allegations of sanctionable conduct extremely seriously.” This suggests the U.S. Government is aware of the situation and is potentially investigating whether X’s actions constitute a breach of sanctions.
X Premium, the service enabling the blue checkmarks, offers several benefits beyond verification, including the ability to post longer content, upload longer videos, and participate in advertising revenue sharing. These features, combined with the increased reach provided by the premium service, make it a valuable tool for disseminating information and influencing public opinion – a benefit the Iranian government appears to have been leveraging.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by social media platforms operating in politically sensitive environments. Balancing free speech principles with the need to comply with international sanctions and regulations is a complex undertaking. X’s actions raise questions about its commitment to both principles and its willingness to prioritize profit over political considerations.
The incident also highlights the evolving role of social media in geopolitical conflicts. Platforms like X have become critical tools for information warfare, propaganda dissemination, and organizing protests. The ability to control the flow of information and influence public opinion can have significant consequences, particularly in countries with limited media freedom.
As of , the full extent of X’s financial relationship with Iranian government entities remains unclear. Further investigation is needed to determine whether the platform’s actions constitute a deliberate violation of U.S. Sanctions or a result of inadequate oversight and compliance measures. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for unintended consequences when technology companies operate in politically charged environments.
