Fact Check: Iran has banned Starlink, fearing it could direct Israeli attacks.

Fact Check: "Iran has banned Starlink, fearing it could direct Israeli attacks."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that Iran has indeed restricted access to Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. Following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets in June 2025, the Iranian government implemented measures to limit internet access, citing concerns over Israeli cyberattacks and the potential for Starlink to facilitate such attacks (source-1, source-5). Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink services were activated for Iranians during this period, responding to calls for internet access amid the disruptions (source-3).

Iran's Saed News Agency reported that the use of Starlink could potentially assist in directing Israeli attacks, which has contributed to the government's decision to impose restrictions (source-5). However, it's important to note that while the Iranian government has expressed concerns, there is no direct evidence that Starlink is being used for such purposes.

Analysis

The claim that "Iran has banned Starlink, fearing it could direct Israeli attacks" is partially accurate but requires context. The Iranian government has indeed restricted Starlink access, but the reasoning behind this action is complex. The Iranian authorities have a history of limiting internet access during times of conflict or civil unrest, often citing security concerns (source-5).

While the Iranian government has warned that Starlink could aid in Israeli military operations, this assertion appears to be more about controlling the narrative and maintaining state security rather than a direct acknowledgment of any active threat posed by the service. The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue varies; while official Iranian news outlets may have a bias in framing the narrative, independent reports from organizations like NBC News provide a more balanced view of the situation (source-5).

Furthermore, Elon Musk's activation of Starlink in Iran is a significant development, as it suggests that the service is operational despite government restrictions. The presence of an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Starlink terminals in Iran indicates that while the government may attempt to limit access, the technology is still available to many users (source-5).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
While it is true that Iran has restricted access to Starlink, the claim that it has "banned" the service specifically due to fears of directing Israeli attacks is misleading. The Iranian government's actions are part of a broader strategy to control internet access during conflicts, rather than a direct response to the capabilities of Starlink itself. The narrative surrounding the potential use of Starlink for military purposes appears to be more about state security concerns than an actual operational threat.

Fact Check: Iran has banned Starlink, fearing it could direct Israeli attacks.