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The Trump administration secretly moved thousands of Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran following last month’s crackdown on anti-government protests, according to a report published Thursday.
The operation, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was aimed at helping Iranian protesters stay connected after authorities severely restricted internet access during nationwide demonstrations. The report said the effort marked the first time the United States directly supplied Starlink devices to Iran, where possession of the terminals is illegal and can carry lengthy prison sentences.
According to the report, the State Department purchased nearly 7,000 Starlink units in recent months, most of them in January, and about 6,000 were successfully smuggled into Iran. Officials cited by the newspaper said the program followed a shift in funding priorities, with resources redirected from existing internet-freedom programs to acquire the satellite equipment.
Iran’s government has long accused the United States of encouraging unrest inside the country, allegations Washington has denied. While U.S. officials said they did not organize the recent protests, the reported effort suggests a more direct role in supporting pro-freedom Iranian activists’ access to communications.
The report also highlighted debate among U.S. officials and internet-freedom advocates over how best to support dissidents. For years, U.S.-backed virtual private networks helped millions of Iranians bypass state censorship. But officials cited by the newspaper said VPNs become ineffective when authorities impose near-total shutdowns, making satellite-based systems one of the few remaining options.
The development comes as the Trump administration continues negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program. Iran has insisted on maintaining uranium enrichment capabilities, while U.S. officials have sought broader restrictions aimed at blocking any path to a nuclear weapon.
Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington this week to discuss Iran and said he still preferred diplomacy. In a social media post, he warned that if negotiations failed, “we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”