Iran imposed a sweeping internet shutdown for thousands of citizens following Israeli military strikes on nuclear and military sites. The blackout aimed to suppress the spread of information and prevent public organization.
Responding swiftly, Elon Musk activated SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in Iran. Posting on X, he confirmed with three words: “The beams are on.” This move bypasses Tehran’s digital censorship and restores global connectivity for Iranian dissidents and civilians.
Starlink activations followed widespread damage and political shutdowns in major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Satellite dishes—smuggled into the country since protests began in 2022—now enable Iranians to access news, coordinate protests, and connect with the outside world despite government efforts to throttle online communication.
Activists welcomed the restoration, pointing out that uncensored internet access is “like oxygen” in authoritarian regimes. Previous Blackouts in 2019 and during the Mahsa Amini protests underscored the critical role of Starlink technology in enabling free information flow.
By reactivating Starlink, Musk is providing a vital lifeline to those under Tehran’s digital blackout. This follows similar efforts during major internet shutdowns in Iran and war-time disruptions in Ukraine, demonstrating the satellite network’s potential to counteract state censorship
