Starlink’s regional footholds may loosen Iran’s internet grip

Legal Starlink sales in Iraq and the UAE could shorten black‑market supply chains, widen access, and lower prices for Iranians during internet outages, potentially weakening Tehran’s ability to shut down the net. But activation is SpaceX‑controlled, regulatory hurdles remain, and risks for users inside Iran persist, making it a promising but partial workaround rather than a guaranteed fix.