TEHRAN (Diya TV) — Elon Musk has confirmed the activation of Starlink’s satellite internet service across Iran, enabling civilians to bypass government-imposed blackouts amidst the escalating war between Israel and Iran. The move follows Tehran’s decision to restrict internet access nationwide in response to Israeli strikes on military and nuclear sites.
“Iran’s internet beams are on,” Musk wrote on X, after Iran’s Communications Ministry stated Friday that “temporary restrictions” had been introduced due to “security concerns,” with a promise to lift the curbs once “normalcy” returned.
The Starlink activation offers an alternative for Iranians cut off from traditional mobile and broadband services. By using low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink provides coverage even in blackout zones—allowing citizens to access the web despite state-enforced censorship or infrastructure damage.
The internet restrictions came amid a fresh wave of airstrikes and missile exchanges. Israel announced Saturday that its air force had struck over a dozen missile launchers and air defense systems in Tehran, pushing the war into a second day of intense escalation.
“For the first time since the war began, the Israeli Air Force struck aerial defense infrastructure near Tehran—over 1,500 kilometers from our territory,” said Israeli Air Force Chief MG Tomer Bar. “These are strategic sites and enemy knowledge centers.”
Iran, retaliating after Friday’s Israeli bombardment killed senior military officials and nuclear scientists, launched multiple missile barrages overnight. Israeli emergency services confirmed two civilian deaths from a rocket strike early Saturday.
While governments on both sides maintain wartime communication lockdowns, Starlink’s unexpected intervention has reconnected thousands of Iranians to the outside world. Human rights groups and digital access advocates have praised the move, calling it a critical step in ensuring transparency and civilian communication during conflict.
It remains unclear how long Starlink’s coverage will remain active in Iran or what diplomatic consequences may follow, but for now, it has pierced the veil of state silence amid one of the region’s most volatile modern wars.
