TEHRAN,El Sky News – The Iranian government has launched an unprecedented crackdown on satellite internet infrastructure, announcing the closure and seizure of approximately 40,000 Starlink terminals across the country. The move is seen as a desperate attempt by authorities to achieve “absolute digital isolation” as civil unrest continues to grip the nation.
Accusations of Foreign Interference
Official state media reported that the devices were confiscated to prevent what the government calls “terrorist operations” directed by foreign adversaries, specifically naming the United States and Israel. Authorities claim that the satellite network, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been used to coordinate mass protests sparked by the country’s deepening economic crisis and the rapid devaluation of the national currency.
The “Absolute Isolation” Strategy
The seizure of these terminals is part of a broader legislative push to transition the country toward a strictly controlled domestic intranet.
- Military Jamming: In addition to physical raids, the Iranian military has deployed advanced jamming technology to disrupt GPS and satellite signals, rendering many remaining Starlink dishes useless.
- Severe Penalties: Under new laws passed in January 2026, the possession of Starlink equipment is now a criminal offense, punishable by heavy fines, imprisonment, and even corporal punishment.
A Critical Lifeline Severed
For many Iranians, Starlink had become the only window to the outside world following hundreds of hours of total internet blackouts imposed by the state since early January. Human rights organizations warn that cutting off these satellite links will allow the government to suppress protesters without international oversight.
International Response
The U.S. State Department has issued a statement condemning the blackout, accusing the Iranian regime of violating the fundamental right to freedom of information. Meanwhile, tech sources suggest that SpaceX engineers are working on software updates to bypass the signal jamming, similar to tactics used in other conflict zones.
As of late January 2026, the digital divide in Iran remains at a breaking point, with the population caught between high-tech censorship and the struggle for connectivity. ( Rahul Rezky )
