U.S. Secretly Shipped Starlink Terminals to Iran Amid Protests

Trump administration smuggled thousands of satellite internet kits to help activists bypass regime's internet controls.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Trump administration secretly shipped thousands of Starlink internet terminals into Iran following the government's deadly crackdown on protesters in January 2026. U.S. officials said the State Department purchased nearly 7,000 Starlink terminals in the months leading up to the protests and redirected funds from other internet freedom programs to finance the shipments, which aimed to help anti-regime activists bypass Tehran's strict internet controls.

Why it matters

The covert Starlink shipments represent a significant U.S. intervention to support Iranian protesters and undermine the regime's ability to control information and communications during the unrest. It highlights the high-stakes geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran, which remain engaged in negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.

The details

According to U.S. officials, the Trump administration smuggled about 6,000 Starlink satellite internet kits into Iran after the government's crackdown on protests that erupted in December 2025. The protests initially began over Iran's collapsing economy and surging inflation but later expanded into widespread anti-regime demonstrations. Owning a Starlink terminal is illegal in Iran and punishable by years in prison, but tens of thousands of Iranians have managed to acquire them to communicate outside government surveillance.

  • The protests erupted in Iran in December 2025.
  • The U.S. purchased nearly 7,000 Starlink terminals in the months leading up to the protests.
  • The U.S. smuggled about 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran following the government's deadly crackdown on protesters in January 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who oversaw the covert Starlink shipments to Iran.

Elon Musk

The CEO of SpaceX, which produces the Starlink satellite internet system that was smuggled into Iran.

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled Crown Prince of Iran and the eldest son of the last Shah of Iran, who was toppled during the 1979 revolution.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing definitive was reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — That did not work well for them.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (Truth Social)

“KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (Unknown)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This covert operation to smuggle Starlink internet terminals into Iran represents a significant U.S. intervention to support Iranian protesters and undermine the regime's ability to control information and communications during the unrest, highlighting the high-stakes geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran.