US Smuggled Starlink Terminals to Iran Amid Internet Shutdowns

The Trump administration covertly delivered thousands of satellite internet terminals to bypass government censorship.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The recent revelation that the Trump administration covertly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran marks a significant escalation in the ongoing struggle for digital freedom and geopolitical influence. This operation, undertaken in response to a brutal crackdown on protests and a nationwide internet shutdown in January, highlights a growing trend: the weaponization of internet access as a tool of both repression and resistance.

Why it matters

Iran's internet blackout aimed to stifle dissent and prevent images of the crackdown from reaching the outside world. The US, recognizing the critical need for uncensored communication, reportedly purchased nearly 7,000 Starlink terminals to facilitate access for Iranians. This marks the first instance of the US directly sending Starlink terminals into Iran, where owning the equipment is illegal and can result in severe punishment.

The details

Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet constellation, offers a potential lifeline in countries with restricted internet access. However, its use comes with significant risks, as Iranian authorities have been actively confiscating terminals and promising strict punishment for those caught possessing them. Beyond Starlink, the US also reportedly supplied Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to Iranian dissidents, enabling them to mask their IP addresses and protect their online identities.

  • In January, Iranian authorities responded to widespread protests with a near-total internet shutdown, lasting over two weeks.
  • As of January 2025, estimates suggest at least 30,000 Starlink subscriptions were active in Iran, serving over 100,000 users.
  • Since March 2025, Iranian authorities have confiscated over 100 Starlink terminals.

The players

Starlink

Elon Musk's satellite internet constellation that offers a potential lifeline in countries with restricted internet access.

Trump administration

The former US administration that reportedly covertly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran.

Iranian authorities

The government that responded to protests with a near-total internet shutdown and has been actively confiscating Starlink terminals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Iranian case highlights the growing trend of governments attempting to control the flow of information within their borders, and the corresponding rise in efforts to circumvent these controls. This will likely manifest in increased government censorship and surveillance, the proliferation of circumvention technologies, the emergence of 'digital sanctuaries,' and the blurring of lines between state and private actors in the digital battleground.