Iran Official Warns Starlink Threatens State Control Over Internet
Iran’s Deputy Communications Minister Mohammad Hafez Hakami warned that the spread of Starlink could eliminate the state’s ability to control cyberspace. He stated that previous internet shutdowns during protests in 2019, 2022, and 2026 have become less effective because Starlink operates outside domestic networks. Hakami noted that officials have warned about this threat for two years without a policy response, fearing future crises may force authorities to cut electricity to the internet to maintain control.
Key points
- Hakami described Starlink as the 'final nail in the coffin' for Iran’s internet control.
- The government has escalated restrictions from blocking single platforms in 2017 to full network shutdowns in 2026.
- Starlink’s operation outside Iran’s domestic infrastructure renders traditional shutdowns ineffective.
- Officials have warned about the threat for two years but have not implemented a policy response.
Background
This warning follows earlier reports that Starlink’s regional presence in Iraq and the UAE could lower costs and shorten supply chains for Iranian users during outages. It also occurs amidst ongoing tensions where Iran has faced US naval blockades and internal power struggles between pragmatists and hardliners regarding diplomatic solutions.
Why it matters
The inability to shut down communications during unrest threatens the regime’s primary tool for suppressing dissent. If Starlink becomes widely accessible, it could enable sustained opposition activities and information flow despite state efforts to isolate the population.
What to watch
The government may need to develop new countermeasures or escalate to cutting electricity to maintain control. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the speed of Starlink adoption and the government’s ability to restrict access to the technology.
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