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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Deaths linked to nationwide protests in Iran have risen to more than 500, according to a U.S.-based rights group HRANA, as Tehran warned it would retaliate against U.S. military targets if Washington intervenes.
Israel has sharply escalated its warnings to Lebanon amid rising regional tensions linked to Iran, according to a report by the Lebanese newspaper Nida Al Watan.
A U-Haul box truck has plowed into a crowd of people in Los Angeles showing support for Iranian protesters on Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump says he plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, where authorities have imposed a near-total blackout amid nationwide anti-government protests.
Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best male actor in a musical or comedy on Sunday for his role in Marty Supreme, beating strong competition in one of the night’s most closely watched categories.
Bob Weir, the rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family has said.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 12th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A U-Haul box truck has plowed into a crowd of people in Los Angeles showing support for Iranian protesters on Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump says he plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, where authorities have imposed a near-total blackout amid nationwide anti-government protests.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
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