Iran cripples Starlink internet with military jamming: Report
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Iran uses military‑grade jamming to disrupt Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, cutting connectivity by roughly 80 percent.
- The disruption marks the first known nationwide effort to neutralize Starlink during a major blackout tied to widespread protests.
Iran has successfully disrupted Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service using advanced military jamming equipment, cutting service by about 80 percent, according to Forbes.
The action comes amid a nationwide internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities in response to widespread protests. The blackout, aimed at limiting information flow and public coordination, has blocked traditional internet access for most of the population.
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Disruption Escalates Quickly
Forbes reported that initial disruptions affected roughly thirty percent of Starlink traffic, rapidly expanding to eighty percent of the network, leaving many users unable to maintain connections. Iranian authorities reportedly targeted both satellite communications and GPS signals, complicating Starlink terminal operation.
First Known State-Level Satellite Internet Disruption
Analysts cited by Forbes describe this as the first instance of a state successfully disabling low-Earth-orbit satellite internet during a domestic crisis. The deployment of military jamming equipment highlights Iran’s growing ability to control digital communications beyond traditional networks.
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Some Starlink service remains functional in isolated areas, but widespread disruption reflects Tehran’s priority to suppress external communication amid protests that have drawn global attention.
Context of the Blackout
The Starlink disruption is part of a broader internet blackout that began January 8, 2026, affecting cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Possession or use of Starlink terminals has been criminalized, yet some Iranians continue seeking alternative connections.
Next Steps
The incident raises concerns over the vulnerability of private satellite networks to state-level electronic warfare. Starlink has not publicly outlined its response, and it remains unclear when normal service will resume.
