Iran targets Starlink as ‘tool of war’ with hints of more internet curbs
Iran is intensifying its crackdown on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, viewing it as a "tool of war" that could undermine state control over cyberspace amid ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. Authorities have outlawed Starlink, imposing fines and imprisonment for its use, possession, and distribution, with penalties escalating to the death penalty if linked to national security charges. Officials cite Starlink's ability to bypass government filtering and restrictions as a threat, particularly after prolonged internet shutdowns in response to protests and the war. Iran is employing jamming, GPS spoofing, and physical interception to block the service, and has also pursued diplomatic channels to halt its transmissions. The government advocates for domestic internet platforms and a tiered access model during restrictions.