Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, is facing one of its most high-profile security tests yet as Iran cracks down on dissidents. Since its use during the Ukraine war, Starlink has become a lifeline in regions facing government-imposed internet blackouts. Now, Iran’s attempts to jam or block the service have put Musk’s company at the center of another geopolitical hotspot.
Starlink Goes Free for Iranians Amid Rising Tensions in Iran
Earlier this week, SpaceX made Starlink free for Iranians, a move that has drawn global attention. Analysts, researchers, and activists report that U.S.-based SpaceX engineers are now working to protect the system against Iranian efforts using satellite jammers and signal-spoofing tactics.
The situation is not just a technical challenge U.S. military and intelligence agencies that rely on Starlink and its military-grade variant, Starshield, are closely monitoring how SpaceX navigates these attacks. Even China, developing its own satellite internet networks, is watching closely. A successful defense could also boost investor confidence, as SpaceX considers a public listing this year.
John Plumb, former Pentagon space policy chief, said, “We’re in this weird early part of the history of space-delivered communications where SpaceX is the only true provider at this scale. And these repressive regimes think they can still turn off communications, but I think the day is coming where that’s just not possible.”
Iran Protesters Rely on Starlink to Broadcast Crackdowns
Amid a violent government crackdown, thousands of Iranians have reportedly been killed while protesting clerical rule. With Tehran restricting traditional internet access, Starlink has become crucial for documenting events on the ground.
Raha Bahreini, an Iran researcher, stated that dozens of videos verified by human rights organizations showing protesters killed or injured came from people using Starlink. However, communication restrictions continue to make it difficult for organizations to assess the full scale of violence.
Despite being banned in Iran, tens of thousands of Starlink terminals may have been smuggled into the country. These rectangular satellite dishes, available in two sizes roughly a pizza box and a smaller “mobile” version—allow users to bypass traditional internet infrastructure.
Iran Uses Jammers and GPS Spoofing to Disrupt Starlink
Starlink, with around 10,000 low-orbit satellites moving at 17,000 mph (27,360 kph), is harder for Iran to locate or disrupt compared to conventional satellite systems. Nevertheless, Iran reportedly uses satellite jammers and GPS spoofing to interfere with the system, slowing internet speeds and preventing video calls.
Nariman Gharib, an Iranian opposition activist and cyber-espionage analyst, said, “You might be able to send text messages, but forget about video calls” when spoofing occurs. Iran has also tried to block Starlink through diplomatic channels, approaching the UN’s International Telecommunication Union to pressure the U.S. and Norway, where Starlink is registered, to shut down the service.
Starlink’s Strategic Role and SpaceX’s High Stakes Amid Iran crisis
Starlink has become critical not only for civilians in crisis zones but also for wartime communications. The network generated $15 billion in revenue for SpaceX in 2024 and gave Musk significant geopolitical influence. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Starlink was used by Ukrainian troops, showing the platform’s value beyond civilian use.
With the ongoing Iran crisis, SpaceX’s ability to maintain Starlink’s operations under attack will be closely watched globally from military planners to investors. The stakes are high, both politically and financially, as Iran continues its crackdown and strives to disrupt the network.
