The Trump administration covertly sent thousands of Starlink satellite internet terminals to Iran following a brutal government crackdown on nationwide protests in January 2026, according to The Wall Street Journal.
U.S. officials told the Journal that the effort was aimed at keeping anti-regime dissidents and activists connected after Iranian authorities implemented a widespread internet shutdown to stifle communication and organization among protesters.
The operation, the news site reported, involved smuggling roughly 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran, marking the first known direct delivery of SpaceX satellite communications kits to the country.
Iranian crackdown on protesters
Iranian security forces responded to the growing unrest by killing protesters and cutting off much of the nation’s online access.
U.S. officials told the Journal that the State Department purchased nearly 7,000 Starlink terminals in the weeks before the strike, with most of the devices purchased in January. The purchases were made after Trump administration officials decided to divert funding from other Internet freedom initiatives — such as virtual private network (VPN) programs — to prioritize the acquisition of Starlink equipment for use in Iran.
The effort was reportedly known to President Donald Trump, although sources told the Journal it was unclear whether he or another senior official directly approved the secret smuggling plan.
And Iranian authorities have also accused Washington – of fomenting dissent.
The protests were fueled by years of economic mismanagement, a plummeting currency and frustration with harsh clerical rule. Demonstrators took to the streets in cities across Iran, expressing anger at deteriorating living conditions and political repression.
Trump encouraged the protesters
As the unrest spread, Trump publicly called on Iranians to continue protesting against the regime. In a message to the protesters, he promised that “help is on the way.”