Trump and Musk Discuss Internet Access in Iran Amid Ongoing Protests
In a notable development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced intentions to discuss with billionaire Elon Musk the possibility of restoring internet service in Iran, which has been disrupted amid widespread protests against the Iranian government.
Trump described Musk as "an incredible person in this field," suggesting that Musk's company, SpaceX, which operates the satellite internet service Starlink, could provide a solution during this crisis.
The relationship between Trump and Musk has experienced fluctuations in recent years, ranging from Musk's support for Trump's presidential campaign to disagreements over tax issues in 2025. However, it appears that the two have reconciled following a dinner at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in January 2025, indicating a restoration of their relationship.
Simultaneously, Israel has expressed significant interest in the issue of internet access in Iran. Almog Cohen, the deputy minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, reached out to Israeli-American entrepreneur Dovi Francis to inquire about the feasibility of Starlink operating in Iran amid the internet disruptions.
However, Francis did not clarify whether he had contacted Musk or if any further steps were planned.
Iranian authorities are known to frequently cut internet access during protests to limit the flow of information. The Starlink service is seen as a crucial tool in these times, providing internet access in a manner that is difficult for governments to block, although its use requires ground stations, which Iran seeks to monitor.
In line with these developments, calls from Iranian activist Masih Alinejad and other international figures have increased, urging Musk to expand Starlink's access to Iran to help citizens regain internet connectivity.
Additionally, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the addition of 7,500 new second-generation satellites to the Starlink network, increasing the total number of satellites to 15,000, which will enhance high-speed internet service globally.
Against this backdrop, the pressing question remains:
Will Starlink play a crucial role in addressing the internet crisis in Iran, and what is the involvement of Western governments in this context?
