Former U.S. President Donald Trump says he will speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran amid nationwide shutdowns. The image highlights Trump, Musk, Starlink satellites, and protests in Iran, symbolizing global efforts to reconnect Iranians to the internet.
By Sahil
Date:12 January
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with tech billionaire Elon Musk about potentially restoring internet access in Iran, where authorities have imposed a sweeping digital blackout during widespread protests. The move could have major implications for information access, international pressure, and global communications technology.
Why the Internet Shutdown in Iran Matters
Iran has cut off internet access nationwide as anti-government protests against economic hardship and political repression continue. The blackout — part of a long-standing tactic to limit public communication — has effectively blocked citizens from sharing updates, organizing digitally, or connecting with the outside world.
This type of shutdown has occurred in Iran before, including in 2019, 2022, and during the 2025 internet blackout related to the Iran-Israel war.
In the current crisis, the blackout has lasted multiple days and affected nearly all online and phone communication, intensifying calls from activists and foreign governments for solutions that can restore connectivity.
Trump’s Proposal: A Conversation With Musk
On January 11, 2026, Trump told reporters that he plans to call Elon Musk to discuss using Starlink — SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service — to bring connectivity back to Iranians cut off from the global web.
“He’s very good at that kind of thing, he’s got a very good company,” Trump said, referring to Musk and SpaceX’s experience with satellite internet.
Starlink has been used in past crises to help bypass local internet shutdowns, including during protests in Iran and in conflict zones like Ukraine. However, Iran has also attempted to restrict Starlink’s ground terminals and jam satellite signals, complicating efforts to maintain service.
Technical and Political Challenges
Restoring internet access via Starlink is not straightforward. Satellite internet still requires user terminals on the ground — equipment that must be physically present and safe from government seizure or jamming. Iran’s authorities have aggressively sought to prevent such equipment from operating, threatening arrests and engaging in signal interference.
Moreover, entering a sovereign nation’s communication space — even with humanitarian intent — could escalate political tensions. Trump’s engagement with Musk intersects both technology power and international diplomacy.
What This Could Mean for Iranians
For many in Iran, the internet isn’t just a luxury — it’s a lifeline. During this blackout, people have struggled to access vital services such as banking, navigation, and emergency communication. Some residents have described connectivity as more essential than bread amid the shutdown.
Restoring service could empower citizens to share real-time information about protests and human rights abuses, making it harder for governments to suppress dissent without accountability. However, the risks to individuals using unauthorized satellite links remain significant.
Global Reactions and Implications
Trump’s comments have drawn attention from global leaders and digital freedom advocates. The United States and other Western nations have openly criticized Iran’s crackdown and called for the protection of civil liberties. Meanwhile, Iran has held firm that it controls its own digital infrastructure and views foreign interference with deep suspicion.
This development also highlights the growing intersection between technology companies and state policy, raising questions about the role of private firms like SpaceX in international crises.
Bottom Line
President Trump’s plan to speak with Elon Musk about restoring the internet in Iran signals a novel approach to addressing communication blackouts — one that combines diplomacy, tech capability, and geopolitical strategy.
Whether this leads to real connectivity for millions of Iranians remains uncertain, but it represents a rare moment where satellite tech and global politics are intertwined in a push for digital freedom.
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