Iranian intelligence seizes hundreds of Starlink devices as internet blackout continues

Iranian intelligence authorities announced Tuesday, 17 March, that they had located and confiscated hundreds of banned Starlink devices in a "complex and extensive" operation.

The ministry said the operation relied on "intensive use" of advanced technological tools, which allowed authorities to track satellite-linked internet systems and monitor what it described as "criminal activity" by users.

Since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has seen the international internet largely cut off, security and intelligence agencies have intensified efforts to locate, seize, and arrest users of banned Starlink devices.

Iranian intelligence said these measures will continue without pause until all Starlink satellite internet devices, which it claims are "used to serve the enemy", are seized. 

The ministry stressed that "owning or using illegal Starlink systems is a crime under Iranian law."

It added that committing such acts "during wartime warrants the harshest punishments, particularly for those connected to or working for the enemy."

Iranian technology expert Mohammad Javad Motbaher told The New Arab that security forces have monitoring equipment capable of detecting Starlink signals and confiscating devices.

 He noted that using Starlink in Iran has been prohibited under legislation passed by parliament since the June war, carrying strict criminal penalties, including imprisonment or even execution in cases that threaten security or order or involve espionage.

Continued blackout

After the full cut-off of international internet access, Iran's Ministry of Communications provided limited connectivity to local media and some foreign media offices. That service ended Sunday evening, 15 March.

The move followed a call by opposition royalist leader Reza Pahlavi for what authorities described as "sleeper cells" to mobilise in the streets against security forces ahead of Nowruz celebrations, particularly the "Red Wednesday" event held on the last Tuesday evening before the new year, traditionally marked with fireworks. 

Authorities banned this year's celebrations due to wartime conditions, warning that "enemies" seek to exploit the occasion to destabilise internal security.

Since the start of the war, Iranian security and intelligence agencies have also almost daily announced arrests of Iranians accused of sending photos or videos of military sites or targeted areas to opposition media, primarily Iran International, which Iran classifies as a "terrorist channel", making any engagement with it illegal.

Starlink subscription numbers

Forbes reported in December 2024 that Starlink satellite internet subscriptions in Iran had exceeded 20,000. According to KhabarOnline, citing Sitna, an Iranian e-commerce association, there are at least 30,000 active Starlink subscriptions in Iran, with over 100,000 users.

Reports indicate that Starlink internet began to be used in Iran in 2022, initially limited to select groups and companies due to high device costs and monthly fees. Its use gradually expanded in subsequent years.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk previously said about 100 Starlink satellites were operational to cover Iran.

Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.