Amid escalating unrest in Iran that began as peaceful protests against economic issues in December, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration covertly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into the country. This operation purportedly aimed to counteract a sweeping internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities in January, restricting communication for demonstrators. The involvement of senior US officials and potential State Department funding highlights an ongoing concern regarding foreign interference in Iranian internal affairs.

The report also suggests that former President Donald Trump was aware of the operation, although it is not clear if he personally sanctioned it. Iranian officials, echoing their longstanding accusations, have blamed the US and Israel for exacerbating the unrest, which has turned violent and resulted in a significant loss of life. With Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claiming that over 3,000 individuals, including alleged