US smuggles 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran for protest support

US Secretly Introduces Thousands of Satellite Terminals into Iran Amid Protest Crackdown

US media reports claim that thousands of Starlink satellite internet terminals were secretly smuggled into Iran following a crackdown on anti-government protesters. Although the Trump administration publicly denied any involvement in encouraging unrest, there is evidence suggesting it covertly supported opposition elements by enabling secure communication.

The report states that around 6,000 Starlink devices were allegedly smuggled last month to help anti-government groups maintain contact during restrictions. This move has prompted internal debate within the US State Department, with some officials arguing for a more discreet approach using virtual private networks (VPNs) rather than satellite terminals.

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Additionally, reports indicate that the US State Department purchased nearly 7,000 of these terminals. Funding was reportedly transferred to Starlink through secure channels, drawing internal debates about whether VPN services would have been a more effective alternative for enabling communication among opposition groups without raising legal red flags.

Starlink is owned by Elon Musk, and using such devices inside Iran is considered illegal under local law. Individuals found using satellite internet terminals could face several years in prison. This latest move underscores the Trump administration’s covert strategy to support anti-government elements within Iran’s borders without directly engaging with the regime.

The ongoing internal discussions reflect broader debates about how to balance national interests with legal and ethical considerations, particularly when dealing with countries where human rights violations are prevalent.