US Explored Starlink Access for Iran Dissidents During Trump Administration

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, citing a report from Mehr News Agency, Reuters has detailed efforts by the administration of then-U.S. President Donald Trump to enable access to Starlink satellite internet for individuals identified as dissidents and proxies within Iran. The report, based on information from six former U.S. officials, suggests direct engagement with Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, to create conditions for such access.

The Trump administration reportedly pinned hopes on enhancing satellite communication capabilities for individuals within Iran, following what it perceived as U.S.-Israeli provocations against the country. Previously, Trump had acknowledged that overthrowing the Iranian government through direct U.S.-Israeli military action was not feasible, emphasizing the need for domestic actors aligned with U.S. objectives to play a role.

The Reuters report further notes that both the Biden and Trump administrations had made requests concerning the activation or deactivation of Starlink services in various nations. For instance, the Biden administration had sought to halt satellite internet access to disrupt communications among pro-Iran forces in Yemen and Lebanon, while simultaneously advocating for its activation in Ukraine.

Earlier, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister pointed to the use of technology by Western nations to interfere in the internal affairs of developing countries, stating that the West foments unrest in various nations through Starlink.