Iran’s internet blackout deepens as Starlink disruptions reported

The Iranian regime likely triggered a centralized “kill switch,” using advanced electronic warfare capabilities to interfere with satellite connectivity.

By World Israel News Staff

A sharp drop in video and eyewitness material emerging from Iran was observed on Sunday, even as large numbers of protesters were again reported on the streets of Tehran overnight.

The decline in footage comes amid days-long disruptions to communications, with indications that authorities are intensifying efforts to seal off remaining channels of information.

Despite reports of renewed demonstrations, only limited material surfaced from inside the country, fueling growing speculation that Iranian authorities are expanding the scope of the digital blackout beyond domestic internet shutdowns.

Attention has increasingly focused on possible interference with satellite-based services, particularly Starlink, which had been viewed by protesters and activists as a key backup when state-controlled networks are cut.

On Sunday, Forbes reported that Iran has deployed military-grade jamming systems to disrupt Starlink connectivity, significantly undermining what had become a critical alternative for communication.

According to the report, the move represents a “game-changer” for so-called Plan B connectivity used by anti-regime activists when domestic internet access is shut down.

Citing IranWire, Forbes said that although tens of thousands of Starlink terminals are believed to be operating inside Iran, the blackout has increasingly affected satellite links as well.

Analysts cited in the report said the Iranian regime likely triggered a centralized “kill switch,” using advanced electronic warfare capabilities to interfere with satellite connectivity.

An estimated 30% of Starlink’s uplink and downlink traffic was initially disrupted, the report said, before rapidly rising to more than 80% within hours.

As of Monday morning, Iranian media and monitoring groups reported that the nationwide internet outage had continued for more than 84 consecutive hours, further constraining the flow of information from inside the country.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX subsidiary Starlink Services LLC, provides satellite internet coverage across roughly 150 countries and territories.

The service has previously played a crucial role in maintaining connectivity during conflicts and government-imposed shutdowns, making the reported jamming efforts a significant escalation in Iran’s efforts to control information during nationwide unrest.