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

What the report says

Iranian authorities say they will keep cracking down on Starlink and may impose further limits on internet access as the war with the United States and Israel continues, according to Al Jazeera. The report says the satellite service is banned in Iran on national security grounds, with possession, import or distribution of Starlink equipment punishable by fines, prison terms and, in some cases, harsher charges if linked to espionage or security allegations.

Mohammad Amin Aghamiri, secretary of the Supreme National Cyberspace Council, described Starlink as a wartime instrument used by Iran’s adversaries for command, intelligence and information gathering. He also said authorities have methods to disrupt it, while a Tehran-based internet specialist told Al Jazeera that Iran uses jamming, spoofed GPS signals and physical searches to block terminals. The article says officials have also urged people to rely on domestic platforms and a state-backed national internet network.

The piece places the dispute in the context of repeated internet shutdowns and platform bans in recent years, including major disruptions during protests and during the current conflict. It says many Iranians still depend on VPNs and other workarounds, though these can be expensive, slow or unsafe.

Al Jazeera also reported that Iran’s government has floated limited reopening for some services, but no concrete timetable has been announced. A policy framework released by state-linked media suggests some platforms could eventually be restored under conditions set by authorities, though broader access remains uncertain.