On June 14, 2025, Elon Musk announced via X that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service was activated in Iran, stating, “The beams are on,” in response to Tehran’s imposition of nationwide internet restrictions following Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” strikes on June 13. These Israeli attacks targeted over 100 Iranian strategic sites, including nuclear and military facilities, prompting Iran’s Communications Ministry to impose “temporary restrictions” on internet access, citing the need for stability during the conflict. Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites provide connectivity to bypass these restrictions, offering a lifeline for Iranians to access uncensored information and communicate amid the blackout. Reports indicate around 20,000 Starlink terminals are already in use in Iran via black market channels, with usage surging to over 100,000 users by early 2025, despite government bans.
Russia’s Middle East balancing act is relevant here. While Moscow maintains military and economic ties with Iran, including support in Syria, it also coordinates with Israel on security matters. Russia likely remained silent or neutral on Musk’s Starlink activation, avoiding actions that could strain its relations with either side. This aligns with its strategy of flexibility, as seen in its muted responses to prior Israel-Iran escalations, such as the South Pars gas field strike or Houthi missile launches. The EU, focused on trade talks with the US, would view the internet blackout and regional instability as threats to energy markets and trade routes, but its response would likely be limited to diplomatic calls for de-escalation, consistent with von der Leyen’s broader trade stabilization efforts. The Beirut rooftop party video, capturing civilians dancing amid missile flyovers, underscores the region’s volatility, amplifying the significance of Starlink’s role in maintaining communication during conflict.