U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday he plans to speak with Elon Musk about restoring Iran internet. The move comes after authorities cut services for four days during ongoing nationwide protests. Trump emphasized that Musk runs a strong company capable of addressing the disruption. Trump’s comments came after reporters asked whether he would involve Musk’s SpaceX company, which offers the Starlink satellite internet service. Starlink has previously been used in Iran to provide connectivity during periods of restricted access. Musk and SpaceX did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
The blackout has disrupted the flow of information from Iran since Thursday. Protesters across the country have voiced anger against economic pressures and the government’s leadership. This unrest represents the most widespread demonstrations Iran has experienced since 2022. Trump and Musk have a history of cooperation. The billionaire helped fund Trump’s presidential campaign and later advocated for cuts in federal spending. Their relationship cooled last year when Musk opposed a major tax bill, but recent events suggest a renewed connection. The two were seen dining at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort this month, while U.S. officials plan to visit SpaceX facilities in Texas.
Providing Starlink to Iranians has been a recurring topic for Musk. He supported the service during previous protests, helping people circumvent government restrictions. In 2022, the Biden administration also worked with Musk to deploy Starlink amid demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini. The Starlink satellite system has also been used in other regions affected by unrest or conflict. In 2022, Musk temporarily suspended Starlink in Ukraine during a key military offensive, demonstrating the service’s strategic importance.
Iran’s current protests began on December 28, initially over rising prices. The demonstrations quickly escalated to broader opposition against the country’s leadership. Human rights groups report hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. HRANA, a U.S.-based organization, confirmed 490 protesters and 48 security personnel killed, with over 10,600 arrests in two weeks. Iran has not provided official figures. The potential restoration of Iran internet could significantly affect communications and information flow. Analysts suggest that if Starlink services resume, citizens and journalists may regain access to critical reporting. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are closely monitoring developments and the political implications of satellite internet deployment.
The Trump-Musk dialogue signals a rare instance of direct engagement on international communications technology. Experts say the outcome could shape future strategies for providing connectivity in nations experiencing unrest. Iran internet remains a central issue as protests continue, highlighting both the technological and humanitarian challenges of maintaining communication during political crises.