Iran targets Elon Musk's companies Starlink and X as military assets

Iranian state media has reported that the country is considering Elon Musk's companies, including Starlink and X, as legitimate military targets within the Middle East. This assertion stems from an "unnamed source" cited by the semi-official Fars News Agency, which claims that the United States and Israel have utilized infrastructure managed by Musk's companies to conduct military operations, including alleged war crimes. The report indicates that Iran reserves the right to strike all facilities associated with Musk-managed holdings in the region and occupied territories. Specifically, potential targets mentioned include Starlink ground stations located in Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, as well as other SpaceX-related partners and facilities. This development is seen as a significant escalation, particularly given the increasing reliance of military forces on SpaceX's Starlink satellite network. For instance, the U.S. military has reportedly used Starlink to guide drones, and SpaceX has secured substantial contracts with the U.S. government for its Starshield program, a version of Starlink tailored for defense and intelligence customers. The news also follows recent public statements from U.S. President Donald Trump warning of strong retaliatory actions against Iran, further heightening regional tensions. This is not the first time Iran has targeted technology companies. Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had placed over 18 high-profile American companies, including Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, and Nvidia, on an "official hit list" for their alleged involvement in information and communications technology and artificial intelligence that could be used for military purposes. These previous threats also included warnings for employees of these companies to distance themselves from their workplaces. The alleged use of Starlink by Iranian protesters to circumvent government-imposed internet blackouts has also been a point of contention. While Elon Musk has indicated that Starlink services are active in Iran, Iranian officials have protested this, even filing a case with the UN International Telecommunication Union. Despite a ruling in favor of Iran, the organization lacks enforcement power. This ongoing tension underscores the complex geopolitical role that private technology companies and their services are playing in global conflicts and internal political situations. The implications of Iran's threats extend to the business and investment landscape, as companies like SpaceX, valued at an estimated $1.8 trillion, now carry defense-contractor-level geopolitical risks. Even if these threats do not materialize into direct attacks, increased insurance costs, security spending, and potential operational delays could impose financial burdens. The situation highlights how global conflicts can rapidly transform the risk profiles of technology companies, drawing them into the complexities of international diplomacy and military strategy. The report by Fars News Agency, while citing an unnamed source, reflects a significant escalation in rhetoric and potential action against Western technology assets in the Middle East amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. It's important to note that Fars News Agency is affiliated with the IRGC, which has been sanctioned by the U.S. over its ties to the organization. The specific date of the original Times of India article publication is not precisely detailed in the provided search snippets, but the reports consistently date back to June 11, 2026, with some context stretching back to earlier in 2026 and mid-2025 regarding Starlink's use in Iran.

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