Iran Jams Starlink Amid Protests, Russia or China Implicated | Quick Digest

Iran Jams Starlink Amid Protests, Russia or China Implicated | Quick Digest
Iran has deployed military-grade jamming technology to severely disrupt Starlink satellite internet during ongoing protests. Experts suggest Russia or China may have supplied the sophisticated equipment. This comes amidst a broader internet blackout and US President Trump's efforts to restore connectivity.

Iran uses military-grade jammers to disrupt Starlink services.

Starlink disruption escalated, affecting over 80% of traffic.

Experts speculate Russia or China supplied jamming technology.

Protests in Iran are widespread amidst severe internet blackouts.

Donald Trump discussed restoring Iran's internet with Elon Musk.

Starlink was a vital communication lifeline for Iranian protesters.

Iran has reportedly activated a military-grade "kill switch" to jam Starlink satellite internet services, severely impacting connectivity for protesters amidst ongoing anti-government demonstrations. Initial disruptions of approximately 30% of Starlink's uplink and downlink traffic quickly escalated to over 80% within hours, according to reports citing IranWire. This sophisticated jamming effort is unprecedented in its scale and effectiveness, leading experts to suggest that the technology, if not developed domestically, was likely supplied by Russia or China. Both nations possess extensive experience in electronic warfare and satellite disruption, with Russia famously employing GPS and satellite jamming in Ukraine. The move by the Iranian regime comes as nationwide protests, stemming from economic grievances and political repression, entered their third week. Iranian authorities have a history of imposing internet blackouts to quell dissent and control the flow of information, with the current shutdown being described as one of the most severe in recent years. Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, had emerged as a crucial lifeline for Iranians to bypass government censorship and share information with the outside world, despite its use being illegal within the country. Amidst these developments, then-US President Donald Trump stated his intention to speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, highlighting the international concern over the communication blackout. The severe disruption to Starlink underscores the Iranian government's intensified efforts to suppress unrest and maintain control over information.
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