Fact Check: Elon Musk announced that Starlink was operating in Iran after the Iranian government shut down internet access for civilians.
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, Elon Musk confirmed via Twitter that he activated Starlink internet service for users in Iran. This announcement came shortly after the Iranian government imposed temporary restrictions on internet access due to escalating tensions following Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Iranian Communications Ministry stated that "temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country's internet" in light of the "special conditions" prevailing in the country (source-2, source-4). Starlink, developed by Musk's SpaceX, is a satellite internet service designed to provide connectivity in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking.
Analysis
The claim that Elon Musk activated Starlink in Iran in response to government-imposed internet restrictions is supported by multiple credible sources. The Washington Times and The Jerusalem Post both reported on Musk's announcement, detailing the context of the Iranian government's internet shutdown and Musk's decision to provide an alternative means of connectivity (source-2, source-4).
Musk's tweet, which stated "The beams are on," directly confirms the activation of the service (source-2). The timing of the announcement aligns with the Iranian government's restrictions, making it a direct response to the situation.
While the reliability of the sources reporting this information is generally high, it is important to note that media outlets can sometimes have biases. The Washington Times and The Jerusalem Post are both known for their particular editorial slants, which may influence how they report on certain issues. However, the factual nature of Musk's announcement and the context provided by these outlets is corroborated by the original tweet from Musk himself, which serves as a primary source.
Conclusion
The claim that Elon Musk announced Starlink was operating in Iran after the Iranian government shut down internet access for civilians is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including Musk's own confirmation, supports this assertion. The activation of Starlink serves as a direct response to the Iranian government's restrictions on internet access, providing a vital service during a time of crisis.
