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.
Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday (16 March) following a drone strike nearby, the emi...
'One Battle After Another' tops the Oscars with 6 awards, followed by 'Sinners' which takes 4, 'Frankenstein' 3 and Ne...
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues ...
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in...
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 ...
Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday (16 March) following a drone strike nearby, the emirate's authorities said. It comes as the Middle East conflict enters its 16th day.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran vowed to step up its response and the war showed no sign of ending on Sunday ( 15 March).
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in the latest push by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to build new global alliances.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment