Iran targets Starlink as ‘tool of war’ with hints of more internet curbs

Iran targets Starlink as 'tool of war' amid ongoing US-Israel war

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Iranian authorities have pledged to continue a crackdown against satellite internet service Starlink, along with further restrictions on the global internet, according to Al Jazeera English. The use of satellite-based internet services and the distribution of Starlink terminals are subject to fines and imprisonment.

Iran's 90 million people have undergone two lengthy state-imposed global internet shutdowns in 2026 – for three weeks during nationwide protests in January and for 88 days at the start of the ongoing war.

Mohammad Amin Aghamiri, secretary of the Supreme National Cyberspace Council, described Starlink as a “tool of war” for enemies. He stated that it is used for command and control, espionage, and information gathering.

Iranian authorities use a combination of measures to block Starlink connections, including the use of multiple jammers with different configurations, spoofed GPS locations, and identifying Starlink-associated internet protocols. They also try to physically intercept terminals using patrols and drone searches, or raid locations selling the terminals.

Iran is among several countries that have banned or restricted Starlink due to national security concerns. It has set baseline sentences of between six months and two years for using or possessing Starlink. Importing and distributing the devices carry jail terms of up to five years.

If paired with national security or espionage charges, individuals can even face the death penalty. Aghamiri has called on Iranians to use domestic platforms, supported by what the authorities call the National Information Network. He also backed a tiered-access model, which envisages protected international access for selected groups – such as traders, researchers and journalists – during periods of internet restrictions.