**Elon Musk Activates Starlink in Iran Amid Internet Blackout and Space Controversy**
Following Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites, Iran imposed a nationwide internet shutdown affecting nearly 90 million people. The blackout disrupted banking, emergency services, and access to information. Iran’s ministry called it a “temporary restriction” to prevent “civil unrest.”
In response, Elon Musk activated Starlink in Iran. He confirmed the move on X, writing, “The beams are on.” Starlink, operated by SpaceX, offers internet via satellite, bypassing ground infrastructure. As the official site says, it enables “streaming, video calls, online gaming… even in the most remote locations.”
Trump commented on the crisis, warning Iran of “the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces,” but also claimed peace was achievable: “We can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel.”
However, Starlink is also under fire. Scientists have found its satellites are leaking strong radio emissions, interfering with space research. “It’s like putting a bunch more artificial \[radio sources] in the sky,” said researcher Steven Tingay. These leaks are “10,000 times stronger” than ancient signals from early stars and threaten to disrupt key astronomy missions.
While Starlink may be a lifeline on Earth, it’s raising red flags in space.
