Trump’s Envoy Demands Free Starlink Access in Iran for ‘Friends’
US Presidential Envoy for Special Assignments Richard Grenell has urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to provide free Starlink access across Iran. This request, posted on X, was aimed at ensuring his ‘friends’ inside Iran can access information without interruption. Grenell’s message included an appeal for Musk to ‘chip in a donation,’ suggesting public support for the initiative. Musk has not yet responded publicly, though he previously indicated that the ‘beams are on,’ meaning the service is technically available, albeit requiring a special satellite dish for access.
The decision to request Starlink access in Iran follows a recent US military strike on the country’s nuclear facilities, which the White House has described as a necessary action to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Grenell, a former acting Director of National Intelligence and former US ambassador to Germany, now serves as the US Presidential Envoy for Special Missions under Trump. His role has involved managing a wide range of diplomatic and international back-channel efforts.
Starlink’s constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites was originally promoted as a means of providing high-speed, low-latency internet to remote and rural areas. However, the system has also proven critical for military operations, including battlefield coordination and drone warfare. SpaceX has supplied the Ukrainian military with Starlink since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022, delivering over 40,000 terminals. Kiev’s forces have become fully dependent on the network, and disabling it would result in the collapse of the ‘entire frontline,’ Musk claimed in March.
Iranian authorities have imposed severe restrictions on communications, isolating the country’s internet from the rest of the world. They have also urged citizens to delete WhatsApp, accusing Israel of using the Meta-owned app to spy on users. This has led to a situation where many Iranians are cut off from international communication, emphasizing the potential value of Starlink in maintaining connectivity.
While the request for Starlink access is primarily a diplomatic and strategic move, it also raises questions about the use of technology in modern warfare and the role of private companies in supporting national interests. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the implications of such initiatives could have significant consequences for international relations and global security.