Elon Musk announced on Saturday that his company, SpaceX, has activated Starlink satellite internet service in Iran to help restore connectivity amid reports of extensive network disruptions across the country.
“The beams are on,” Musk posted on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), indicating that Starlink satellites are now providing coverage over Iranian territory.
The move comes in response to widespread internet blackouts imposed by Iranian authorities following Israeli airstrikes and rising tensions in the region. Ground-based infrastructure has reportedly been restricted or shut down, limiting access to independent information and communications.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, provides high-speed internet via a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites and has previously been deployed in conflict zones such as Ukraine.
This latest activation highlights the increasing role of private tech companies in global connectivity and digital rights, particularly in regions facing state censorship or infrastructure collapse.
Iranian officials have not yet responded to the activation of Starlink over their airspace. It remains unclear how accessible the service will be on the ground without necessary terminal equipment.
