Iranian authorities have taken steps to disrupt access to Starlink satellite internet, according to users and digital-rights groups, in what appears to be the latest effort to tighten control over people’s access to the internet inside the country.
Starlink, operated by the U.S. company SpaceX, provides high-speed internet and has been used in Iran as an alternative during periods of state-imposed internet restrictions.
Although the service is not officially licensed in the country, terminals have been smuggled in and used by activists, journalists and businesses seeking uncensored access to the web.
Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed that they are targeting the satellite service. However, the government has long warned against the use of unauthorised communications equipment, describing it as a threat to national security.
Internet usage has been hampered in Iran by an internet blackout since Thursday (8 January).
Elon Musk, the chief executive of SpaceX has previously supported providing Starlink access to Iranians during periods of unrest. The service was used during protests in 2022, when the Biden administration worked with Musk to enable satellite internet after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked nationwide demonstrations.
While on board Air Force one on Sunday (11 January), President Donald Trump said to the press, "We may get the Internet going, if that's possible. We may speak to Elon. Because as you know he's very good at that kind of thing. He's got a very good company.”
Meanwhile over the weekend, Musk’s platform X changed the Iranian flag emoji on the site from the one used since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 to the pre-revolution flag. This is the same flag demonstrators around the world have waved as a protest against the current regime.
President Trump also said the U.S. may meet Iranian officials and was in contact with the opposition, as he weighed a range of strong responses including military options to a violent crackdown on Iranian protests which pose one of the biggest challenges to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a briefing to foreign ambassadors in Tehran via English translation on Monday that "We are ready for war but also for dialogue."
Trump has warned Iran's leaders that the United States would attack if security forces open fire on protesters.
Iran’s current protests began on 28 December in response to soaring prices, before turning against the clerical rulers.
More than 500 people have been killed since then, U.S.-based rights group HRANA has said, with more than 10,000 people arrested in two weeks of unrest. Iran has not given an official toll.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 27 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 1-1 with Egypt in their final Group G match at Seattle Stadium on Friday.
Washington and Tehran accuse each other of breaching last week’s ceasefire as tensions rise around the key shipping route.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade.
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,100 left homeless by the disaster, he added on state television.
Australia said it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a groundbreaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Ukrainian-made Flamingo missiles hit a plant producing artillery systems and components for missile launch systems in Russia's Volgograd region overnight, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday.
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