The Trump administration reportedly sent approximately 6,000 satellite internet devices into Iran to maintain connectivity for dissidents after a nationwide internet shutdown.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration covertly delivered thousands of Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran following the regime’s crackdown on nationwide protests last month, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal available here.
The newspaper reported that roughly 6,000 terminals were smuggled into the country as part of an effort to help Iranian dissidents maintain internet access after authorities responded to demonstrations by killing thousands of protesters and sharply restricting connectivity.
U.S. officials cited in the report said the operation marks the first time Washington directly sent Starlink terminals into Iran. Ownership of the devices is illegal under Iranian law and can result in prison sentences of several years.
According to the report, the State Department purchased nearly 7,000 Starlink terminals in recent months, most of them acquired in January. Approximately 6,000 were subsequently delivered into Iran through covert channels. The purchase was reportedly made after senior administration officials redirected funding from other internet-freedom initiatives to acquire the satellite internet kits.
The White House declined to comment, the newspaper reported.
Tehran has long accused the United States of inciting unrest inside the country. While U.S. officials denied organizing last month’s demonstrations, the report indicates the administration has provided greater support to anti-regime activity than had previously been disclosed.
The effort has also sparked debate among U.S. officials and internet-freedom experts about how best to assist citizens seeking to bypass government censorship.
For years, U.S.-funded virtual private networks have enabled many Iranians to access information beyond state-imposed firewalls. However, officials cited in the report said such tools are ineffective during near-total internet shutdowns, leaving satellite-based connectivity as one of the few remaining options.
Some experts warned that without additional safeguards, Starlink users could become easier to locate. The report stated that when funding was redirected toward Starlink purchases, financial support lapsed for two of five VPN providers serving Iran.
The reported operation comes as President Donald Trump continues negotiations with Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian officials have maintained their position on continuing uranium enrichment, while the Trump administration has pressed for measures that would eliminate any pathway to a nuclear weapon.
The Journal reported that if talks fail, Trump could authorize military action, noting that U.S. forces are already positioned in the Middle East.
Trump met Wednesday in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Iran. In a statement on Truth Social, available here, Trump wrote that he preferred a diplomatic resolution but added, “If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”
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