TEHRAN – Successive US administrations have repeatedly asked SpaceX to activate or disable its Starlink satellite internet service in different countries to advance Washington’s foreign policy objectives, including requests to provide internet access inside Iran following US-Israeli strikes, Reuters reported on Saturday, citing six former senior US officials familiar with the matter.
Tehran Times is a state-owned English-language Iranian daily. This is a translation of that outlet's own report; it is the outlet's account, not Artesh's finding.
See what Iranian state media is saying today.
🏛️ Iranian State Media
US Pressures SpaceX to Activate Starlink in Iran Post Strikes
1w ago
October 24, 2026
1 min read
📰 Tehran Times
📋 Key Takeaway
The US has repeatedly requested SpaceX to activate its Starlink satellite internet service in Iran following US-Israeli strikes, according to Reuters. This involves multiple US administrations aiming to leverage internet access as a tool for foreign policy. The matter is significant as it reflects the intersection of technology and geopolitical strategy in Iran.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The US's push for Starlink in Iran underscores the intersection of technology and foreign policy in a highly volatile region.
👥 Key Players
SpaceX
MENTIONED
Private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company
"SpaceX's Starlink service can provide internet access in regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking or restricted, influencing communication and information flow."
United States Government
MENTIONED
Federal government of the United States
"The US government uses technology and internet access as tools to influence foreign policy and support democratic movements abroad."
Iranian Government
MENTIONED
Theocratic regime ruling Iran
"The Iranian government controls information and communication within the country, and external internet access poses a challenge to its authority."
📰 What Happened
The US has pressured SpaceX to activate its Starlink internet service in Iran following US-Israeli military strikes. This request reflects a broader strategy of using technology to influence foreign policy.
- Multiple US administrations have made similar requests to SpaceX regarding internet access in various countries.
- The activation of Starlink in Iran could provide citizens with uncensored access to information.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Activating Starlink could empower Iranian citizens by providing them with access to uncensored information, challenging government control.
🌍 Regional: This move could escalate tensions between Iran and the US, as well as impact regional allies and adversaries.
🌐 International: It highlights the role of technology companies in geopolitical conflicts and raises questions about their responsibilities in such situations.
📚 Background
The Iranian government has a history of restricting internet access, especially during times of political unrest. The US has sought to use technology as a means to support democratic movements.
US-Iran relations
Internet censorship in authoritarian regimes
📡 Source:
INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
Reuters is a well-regarded international news agency known for its fact-based reporting, but readers should consider the context of the information provided.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 100%
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