A report claims that the U.S. government secretly facilitated the delivery of Starlink internet terminals to Iran amid civil unrest, a move that was allegedly known to former President Trump.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. government, particularly during the Trump administration, clandestinely delivered approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals to Iran in January. This operation occurred after severe governmental crackdowns on anti-regime protests in the country, indicating a strategic move to support internet access for protesters. The funding for these terminals supposedly came from different programs aimed at enhancing internet freedom in Iran.
Former President Donald Trump was reportedly informed about these deliveries, although it remains unclear if he directly authorized the plan. The discussion about providing internet access to Iranians also included conversations between Trump and Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, which operates the Starlink service. Such interactions highlight a notable intersection between governmental policy and private enterprise concerning freedom of information in repressive regimes.
Despite the potential benefits, possessing Starlink terminals is illegal in Iran, and individuals caught with them face severe penalties, potentially including long prison sentences. This situation raises questions about the balance between supporting civil liberties and the legal ramifications for Iranian citizens, as well as the implications for U.S. foreign policy in regions where authoritarian governance stifles communication and freedom of expression.
