Elon Musk's Starlink Becomes Target of Iranian Attacks
The Middle East conflict continues to intensify. Iranian state media has described the Starlink satellite internet service owned by US billionaire Elon Musk as a legitimate target for attack. This statement comes after Iran warned it would expand strikes against US companies in the region.
A report from the Fars News Agency included an infographic showing the distribution of Starlink services in several Gulf countries, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. These three countries were previously reported as targets of attacks since the conflict erupted on 28 February.
Tehran views the attacks as directed at US and Israeli interests as a form of retaliation. However, the Gulf states claim that civilian infrastructure, from ports and airports to oil and gas refineries, has also been affected.
Domestically, Iranian security forces have tightened surveillance. Last month, intelligence authorities claimed to have tracked and seized hundreds of illegal Starlink devices in a major operation.
The relevant ministry stated that the operation relied on advanced technology to detect satellite internet systems and monitor activities they classify as criminal. These measures have been intensified since the US-Israel-Iran conflict triggered major restrictions on internet access in the country. Security and intelligence agencies are reportedly continuing to hunt Starlink users, confiscating devices and making arrests.
“This action will continue relentlessly until all Starlink satellite internet devices used to serve enemies are secured,” stated the Iranian authorities.
The Iranian government has also emphasised that possession or use of Starlink without permission is a criminal offence. At the same time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it would begin targeting US companies in the region from 1 April.
In the list of threats released, several US tech and industrial giants were named, including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing.
“These companies must prepare for the destruction of their units in retaliation for every terrorist act in Iran, starting at 20:00 Tehran time on Wednesday, 1 April,” read the IRGC statement.