Iran’s nationwide protests have reached a critical phase, with more than500 people killedand thousands arrested as the clerical regime intensifies its crackdown. When Iran imposed a near-total internet blackout, protesters turned toStarlink satellite internetto send videos and updates to the outside world. But that connection has now been largely destroyed.
According toIran Wire,Starlink traffic disruption rose from 30% to more than 80%, plunging nearly80 million Iranians into digital darkness. Experts say this was not ordinary censorship but the activation of amilitary-grade “kill switch”that uses powerful electronic jammers to block satellite signals.
Cybersecurity expertAmir Rashidisaid this level of interference is unprecedented and could only be done usinghigh-end military equipment. He added that if the technology was not developed domestically, it waslikely supplied by Russia or China, both of which have experience in satellite and GPS jamming.
Starlink relies onGPS signals and low-Earth orbit satellites. These signals are very weak when they reach Earth, making them vulnerable tohigh-power jammersthat flood the same frequencies with stronger signals. This effectivelyblinds receivers, cutting off internet access.
Similar technology has been used byRussia in Ukraine, where GPS and Starlink-linked systems were disrupted. China has also demonstratedlarge-scale electronic warfare capabilities, including simulated jamming of satellite networks over wide areas.
Experts estimate Iran’s internet shutdown is costing the economyaround $1.56 million every hour. The blackout has also intensified international pressure on Tehran.
US PresidentDonald Trumphas voiced strong support for the protesters and said he may speak toElon Muskabout restoring internet access through Starlink. Trump warned Iran that if it continues to violently suppress peaceful protests, the US is “locked and loaded” for action.
With Starlink now jammed, protesters have lost one of their few tools to communicate with the outside world. The alleged involvement ofRussian or Chinese technologyalso raises major concerns aboutinternational support for Iran’s digital repression.
