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

One official claims satellite internet could erode online governance in Iran amid war with the US and Israel. Save Share Tehran, Iran –Iranian authorities have pledged to continue a crackdown against satellite internet service Starlink, along with further restrictions on the global internet as the US-Israel war on Iran continues. Elon Musk’s Starlink, which is free of the heavy filtering and restrictions imposed by Tehran, is outlawed in Iran on national security grounds. The use of satellite-based internet services and the distribution of Starlink terminals are subject to fines and imprisonment. It is one of the many measures imposed by Iranian authorities since the United States and Israel launched strikes on the country on February 28, leading to a prolonged and economically punishing war between the countries. 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 for88 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. “It is a tool used for command and control by the enemy, for espionage and information gathering,” he said. “We have several systems for cutting off Starlink satellite terminals.” He did not elaborate on what measures or devices were being used to block Starlink, but one was deployed during the January protests and authorities were prepared to share the technology with aligned countries. 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 touse domestic platforms,supported by what the authorities call the National Information Network. He also backed atiered-access model,which envisages protected international access for selected groups – such as traders, researchers and journalists – during periods of internet restrictions. A Tehran-based internet and telecommunications expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Al Jazeera that Iranian authorities use a combination of measures to block Starlink connections....