US Secretly Sent Thousands of Starlink Terminals to Iran

A previously undisclosed US effort to provide satellite internet access inside Iran was far more extensive than earlier reports suggested. According to US officials cited by the The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration quietly transferred roughly 6,000 Starlink satellite terminals into Iran after security forces violently shut down nationwide protests in January. The demonstrations reportedly left thousands dead and led to severe internet restrictions across the country.

To make the operation possible, the State Department purchased close to 7,000 Starlink units—most acquired in January—by redirecting funding from other internet-freedom initiatives focused on Iran. The equipment was intended to help opposition activists maintain online communication despite government-imposed shutdowns. Officials say President Trump was aware of the shipments, though it remains unclear who formally authorized the plan. The White House declined to comment publicly.

Iran has outlawed Starlink and warned that citizens caught using the service could face lengthy prison sentences. For years, Tehran has accused Washington of fueling unrest inside the country. In the case of Starlink, however, reports from The Independent indicate that Elon Musk personally eliminated subscription fees for Iranian users. US officials continue to deny directing the protests—which The Telegraph reports resulted in more than 7,000 deaths—but the covert satellite effort reveals a deeper level of US support for dissenters than had been publicly known.

Last month, President Trump openly encouraged Iranians to continue protesting, telling them that “help is on its way.” His remarks fueled speculation about potential US military action that ultimately did not occur, even as American forces later positioned assets in the region amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities, according to the Journal.

Inside the US government, the satellite initiative created divisions. Some officials, including a former senior State Department figure responsible for Middle East policy, argued that satellite connections were critical once Iranian authorities disabled conventional internet access. Others cautioned that diverting funds from virtual private network programs could leave more people vulnerable. They argued VPNs not only conceal users’ identities but also reach a broader segment of the population at lower cost.

Government data show that approximately 30 million Iranians relied on US-supported VPN services during protests in 2022. During a near-total communications blackout in 2025, about one-fifth of the population was still able to maintain limited internet access through those tools. As financing shifted toward Starlink hardware, funding for several VPN providers expired, and companies such as Psiphon have reportedly faced financial strain.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have been searching rooftops for unauthorized satellite dishes. Analysts estimate that tens of thousands of Iranians continue to risk arrest and long prison terms in order to remain connected to the outside world.

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