Trump Secretly Shipped 6,000 Starlink Systems to Iranian Rebels

The Trump administration directed a covert operation to smuggle Elon Musk's satellite internet hardware into Iran amid a violent government crackdown on protesters.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to U.S. officials, the Trump administration secretly shipped around 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals to Iranian activists in a covert operation. This came after the Iranian government shut down large parts of the country's internet during widespread protests that allegedly resulted in 30,000 deaths. The State Department had purchased the terminals months prior to help activists bypass Tehran's digital surveillance and censorship, redirecting funds from existing internet freedom programs. Owning a Starlink terminal is illegal in Iran, but tens of thousands have sought out the devices to maintain communication with the outside world.

Why it matters

This represents the first documented instance of the U.S. government directly providing Elon Musk's Starlink technology to activists inside Iran. The move aims to help protesters circumvent the Iranian government's internet restrictions and digital crackdown during a period of intense unrest against the ruling regime.

The details

The Trump administration directed a covert operation to smuggle approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite-internet terminals into Iran following a violent government crackdown on protesters in January. The State Department had reportedly purchased nearly 7,000 terminals in the months prior, specifically aiming to help anti-regime organizers bypass Tehran's digital surveillance and censorship. To fund the rapid deployment, senior administration officials reportedly redirected capital from existing internet-freedom programs.

  • In early January, Iranian security forces shut off large portions of the country's internet to contain widespread demonstrations.
  • Internal figures from Iran's Ministry of Health allegedly placed the number of fatalities at roughly 30,000 during a 48-hour period in early January.

The players

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who directed the covert operation to smuggle Starlink terminals into Iran.

Elon Musk

The CEO of SpaceX, which produces the Starlink satellite internet hardware that was secretly shipped to Iranian activists.

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled Crown Prince of Iran who publicly backed the widespread protests against the ruling government.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nothing definitive was reached. If a deal cannot be consummated, the U.S. would 'have to see what the outcome will be.'”

— President Donald Trump (tampafp.com)

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.