Authorities track and seize Starlink systems across Iran

Authorities in Iran have seized hundreds of Starlink terminals during a nationwide operation, the country’s Ministry of Intelligence said on Tuesday, March 17.

According to CNN, citing Iranian media, the ministry stated that security services had identified the locations of the satellite systems and monitored what it described as the “criminal activities” of their users.

“The locations of the satellite systems were identified, and the criminal activities of their users were tracked and monitored,” the statement said.

The ministry added that operations would continue until all satellite internet terminals “that in any way serve the enemy” are located, warning that the use of unauthorised Starlink systems is considered a crime and, in wartime, carries severe penalties.

The development comes as internet monitoring group NetBlocks reports that disruptions to internet access in Iran have continued for 18 days.

Despite the restrictions, users in Iran have relied on satellite internet services such as Starlink — operated by Elon Musk — to bypass controls, with the service reportedly made available free of charge in the country.

By Tamilla Hasanova