In the midst of an internet blackout in Iran, over 50,000 clandestine Starlink terminals are enabling communication for the populace. The Iranian government shut down internet and phone lines on January 8, 2026, as protests escalated against the regime, leading to significant unrest.
Reports indicate at least 2,600 deaths linked to the protests, with some estimates suggesting the toll could exceed 20,000. The unrest arose from severe economic challenges, including an inflation rate of around 40 percent and the Iranian rial being the least valuable currency globally. The protests gained momentum from demands to end the rule of Ali Khamenei.
While the government has permitted limited international calling, many Iranians remain concerned about surveillance. Text messaging services are still largely unavailable, and internet access is restricted to government-approved sites. Starlink, operated by SpaceX and now available free to Iranian users, has emerged as a crucial tool for those wishing to communicate and report on the ongoing situation.