Elon Musk confirmed late Friday night that he has activated Starlink satellite internet service over Iran following a public request from conservative commentator Mark Levin.
The move comes as Iran imposes internet restrictions nationwide in response to a series of military exchanges with Israel.
“The beams are on,” Musk posted on X in response to Levin, who had urged Musk to enable Starlink service in the country.
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“Musk can put the final nail in the coffin of the Iranian regime,” Levin wrote, referencing the potential for Starlink to bypass government-imposed internet blackouts and provide Iranians with uncensored access to the internet.
The beams are on
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 14, 2025
Starlink, the satellite-based internet system operated by SpaceX, is not officially listed as available in Iran, but Musk has previously used the system to support areas in conflict, including activating service for a hospital in Gaza.
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According to monitoring group Netblocks, internet connectivity in Iran significantly declined following Israeli airstrikes earlier in the week.
The Iranian government confirmed it had restricted access due to what it described as “special conditions.”
“We inform the honourable people of Iran that, in view of the country’s special conditions and with the measures of the competent authorities, temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country’s internet,” Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications stated.
Iran’s crackdown on internet access coincided with a military response to an Israeli strike on Thursday that reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials and damaged nuclear facilities.
The Israeli operation marked a dramatic escalation in hostilities, prompting Iran to launch multiple missile attacks targeting Israeli air bases and defense infrastructure.
While Iranian media outlets claim that 60 civilians, including 20 children, were killed in a strike on a residential building in Tehran, the overall casualty count remains unclear.
Iran’s United Nations envoy has stated that at least 78 people were killed across the country on Friday, with hundreds more injured.
In retaliation, Iran launched several waves of missiles toward Israeli targets. Most of the missiles were intercepted, with the U.S. military assisting Israeli defense systems to shoot down incoming projectiles.
According to Israeli officials, at least three people were killed and dozens injured in the Iranian attacks.
Strikes continued into Saturday, with Israeli warplanes conducting fresh operations against Iranian military infrastructure and suspected launch sites. Iranian state media reported damage in East Azerbaijan, Lorestan, and Kermanshah provinces.
Reports also indicated additional casualties, but official numbers have yet to be confirmed.
In a televised address Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Iranian people to reject the ruling regime.
“The time has come for you to unite around your flag and your historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from an evil and oppressive regime,” Netanyahu said.
“It has never been weaker. This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning Saturday in response to the attacks. “Tehran will burn,” Katz said, if Iranian forces continue targeting Israeli civilians.
The activation of Starlink in Iran represents another instance of Musk intervening in international conflicts through his technology platforms.
While it remains unclear how many users in Iran have access to Starlink receivers or terminals, the announcement signals a new phase in the use of satellite internet during geopolitical crises.
U.S. and international officials are continuing to monitor the situation, as both Israel and Iran escalate their military actions.
Diplomatic channels remain tense, and no ceasefire agreement has been reached.
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