Iran Demands Licensing For Starlink Operations

The move comes in the context of Iran's well-known strict internet control and censorship practices, characterized by thousands of websites being blocked since the early 2000s and most social media platforms banned. With the absence of independent media and heavy censorship, many Iranians mostly depend on social media for their source of political news and information.

Last year, the Iranian government issued a 10-day ultimatum to Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp Messenger and Instagram, demanding they establish offices within Iran to have their apps unblocked. The intention behind the ultimatum was to exert control over Meta Platforms' operations, although the demand was ultimately rejected by the company.

Following nationwide protests in Iran last year, the Iranian regime significantly curtailed internet access for its citizens. In response, the US government relaxed some of its sanctions on exporting internet services to Iran, allowing SpaceX to provide the Stralink satellite internet services in the country.

Elon Musk, the owner of both SpaceX and the Starlink, recently revealed that the Iranian regime expressed dissatisfaction with the introduction of Starlink internet services within the country. He noted that the satellites were introduced discreetly during widespread internet shutdowns. Musk shared a letter from Iranian leadership during a meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in California.