The administration of US President Donald Trump secretly sent thousands of Starlink satellite internet terminals to Iran following the harsh crackdown on anti-government protests in January. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing American officials.

According to the publication, the deliveries were organized to provide protesters with internet access after Iranian authorities restricted communications nationwide. Sources for the newspaper claim that the United States smuggled in approximately 6,000 satellite internet kits—marking the first direct shipment of the Starlink system to Iran.

WSJ sources stated that the US State Department had purchased nearly 7,000 terminals in previous months, most of which were acquired in January specifically to help activists bypass internet blocks. They noted that Trump was aware of the deliveries, but it is unknown whether he personally approved the operation.

Iranian authorities have previously repeatedly accused Washington of inciting protest sentiments and interfering in the country's internal affairs, but have not provided evidence for these claims.

Mass protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, amid an economic crisis, high inflation, and a decline in the national currency's value. Later, participants began making political demands, including slogans against the current government and calls for the restoration of the monarchy. Before the internet shutdown, demonstrations had spread to about 120 cities across the country.

According to human rights organizations, at least 5,848 people were killed, over 7,800 were seriously injured, and more than 41,000 were detained during the suppression of the protests.

Previously, Donald Trump stated that the US could strike Iran if the country's authorities began executing detained protest participants.

Source: kun.uz