The United States government covertly smuggled over 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran in recent months, a move aimed at circumventing Tehran’s attempts to suppress dissent through internet shutdowns, according to US officials. The operation, which began following a violent crackdown on anti-regime protests, marks the first instance of direct US facilitation of Starlink access within Iran.
The initiative unfolded as Iranian authorities imposed a near-total internet blackout across the country during widespread protests sparked by economic hardship and a depreciating currency. The shutdown, lasting for over two weeks, prevented Iranians from sharing images of the government’s crackdown with the outside world. Iranian authorities also reportedly deployed military satellite jammers in an attempt to block alternative connectivity solutions, including Elon Musk’s Starlink network.
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Wall Street Journal that the State Department acquired nearly 7,000 terminals, with the majority purchased in January . The acquisition involved diverting funds from other internet freedom initiatives within Iran to procure the satellite kits. President Donald Trump was reportedly aware of the deliveries, though the extent of his direct approval remains unclear.
The move represents a significant escalation in US support for Iranian dissidents. While the Trump administration publicly encouraged protesters, telling them that “help is on its way,” the covert delivery of Starlink terminals provided a tangible means of bypassing government censorship. The terminals allow users to connect to the internet via satellite, circumventing terrestrial infrastructure controlled by the Iranian government.
According to reports, Washington is also providing virtual private networks (VPNs) to Iranian dissidents, enabling them to mask their IP addresses and protect their online identities. In January , the Iranian E-Commerce Association estimated that at least 30,000 Starlink subscriptions were active within the country, serving over 100,000 users. However, possessing a Starlink terminal in Iran is illegal and carries the risk of imprisonment, with potential penalties extending to the death penalty if authorities allege espionage.
Iranian law enforcement announced the seizure of over 50 terminals in late January , bringing the total number of confiscated terminals to 108 since March . Hossein Rahimi, head of economic security police, stated that those found in possession of the terminals would be “dealt with firmly.”
The US operation aimed to saturate the Iranian regime’s capacity to block satellite internet access. Iranian authorities lack sufficient military jammers to effectively block connections across the entire country. By distributing a large number of terminals, the US sought to overwhelm the regime’s jamming capabilities and ensure continued access to information for Iranian citizens.
The decision to provide Starlink terminals followed a recommendation from a State Department official, Mora Namdar, who urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to acquire the terminals for Iranians, alongside VPNs. Namdar reportedly warned that existing US-funded VPNs and internet freedom technologies were ineffective during complete internet shutdowns.
Tehran has repeatedly accused Washington of fomenting dissent within Iran, allegations the US has consistently denied. However, the covert operation to deliver Starlink terminals demonstrates a willingness by the US to provide direct support to anti-regime activists, despite official denials of interference in Iranian internal affairs.
The long-term implications of this operation remain to be seen. While the Starlink terminals provide a valuable tool for circumventing censorship, they also pose significant risks to users within Iran. The Iranian government’s crackdown on Starlink users underscores the dangers faced by those seeking access to uncensored information. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for internet freedom in Iran and the lengths to which the government will go to suppress dissent.
The US move also occurs against a backdrop of ongoing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, where the Trump administration has threatened military action if no agreement is reached. The provision of Starlink terminals could be viewed as a signal of continued US pressure on the Iranian regime, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
