Planet Labs to restrict access to satellite imagery over Iran conflict

The commercial satellite provider is limiting data availability in designated areas of interest due to the ongoing Middle East tensions.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:41pm by Ben Kaplan

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Planet Labs PBC, a San Francisco-based commercial satellite imagery provider, has announced that it will restrict access to data from designated areas of interest in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The company said the measures, which apply retroactively from March 9, are expected to remain in place until the conflict ends.

Why it matters

The decision by Planet Labs underscores the growing strategic role of commercial satellite operators in modern conflicts, where high-resolution imagery can influence military planning as quickly as it informs financial markets and the public. The move follows tighter restrictions introduced last month, when Planet Labs increased commercial imagery delays from four days to two weeks, citing concerns that the data could be used to target NATO members.

The details

Planet Labs said it is moving to a 'managed access' model, extending publication delays for new imagery and releasing images of the designated areas only on a case-by-case basis, including in cases of 'urgent, mission-critical requirements' or when deemed to be in the public interest. The company has contracts with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the U.S. Navy, among others.

  • On March 9, the new restrictions on satellite imagery access went into effect.
  • Last month, Planet Labs increased commercial imagery delays from four days to two weeks.

The players

Planet Labs PBC

A San Francisco-based commercial satellite provider that has contracts with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the U.S. Navy.

Trump administration

The current U.S. presidential administration has asked satellite imagery providers to voluntarily withhold images of designated areas of interest due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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What’s next

Planet Labs will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to its data access policies as needed until the conflict in the Middle East is resolved.

The takeaway

The decision by Planet Labs to restrict access to satellite imagery over the Middle East conflict highlights the growing strategic importance of commercial satellite data in modern warfare, and the challenges companies face in balancing national security concerns with their business interests and customer needs.