U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is weighing the possibility of engaging billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk over restoring internet access in Iran, following widespread government-imposed shutdowns amid ongoing anti-government protests.
The remarks were made on Sunday while speaking and has now drawn renewed attention to SpaceX’s Starlink service, which has previously been used to provide internet connectivity in countries facing heavy censorship and communication disruptions.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly restricted internet access in recent weeks as protests intensified across several cities.
The shutdowns have limited communication among citizens, activists, journalists, and the international community, prompting criticism from human rights organizations and foreign governments.
Trump’s comments suggest that Washington may again look toward unconventional technological solutions to address the crisis.
“Elon is very good at that kind of thing,” Trump said. “He runs a very good company.”
The president was responding to questions on whether his administration would consider reaching out to SpaceX to help bypass Iran’s internet restrictions.
Starlink and the politics of internet access
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, delivers internet access through a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, allowing users to connect without relying on traditional ground-based infrastructure.
The service has already been deployed in conflict zones and politically sensitive environments, including Ukraine and parts of the Middle East, where authorities attempted to limit online communication.
PRESIDENT TRUMP says he plans to speak with Elon Musk about sending Starlink to Iran as the nation faces a sweeping internet blackout amid anti-regime protests. pic.twitter.com/JzUOsIGAao
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 12, 2026
In Iran, Starlink terminals have reportedly been smuggled into the country during previous waves of unrest, enabling some users to bypass state controls.
Human rights groups argue that such access is vital during protests, as it allows citizens to document events, organize peacefully, and communicate with the outside world.
However, the use of Starlink in heavily sanctioned countries like Iran carries legal and diplomatic challenges. Iran is still under extensive U.S. and international sanctions, and the operation of foreign communication services inside the country raises questions about sovereignty and international law.
Despite these complexities, satellite internet has increasingly been viewed by Western governments as a potential tool to support freedom of expression and the free flow of information during political crises.
Trump did not provide details on when or how discussions with Musk might occur, but his comments alone were enough to spark fresh speculation about Washington’s next steps.
A complicated Trump–Musk relationship
Any potential collaboration between Trump and Musk would come against the backdrop of a famously complex relationship between the two men.
Musk was a major financial backer of Trump’s successful presidential campaign and later became closely involved with his administration.
He was particularly visible during initiatives aimed at shrinking the size of the federal government and reforming regulatory frameworks affecting technology and industry.
That relationship, however, soured publicly last year after Musk criticized Trump’s flagship tax legislation. The disagreement escalated into a highly publicized rift, with sharp exchanges that played out across traditional media and social platforms.
For months, the fallout appeared to signal a permanent break between the president and the world’s richest man.
Recent developments, however, suggest a possible reconciliation.
Earlier this month, Trump and Musk were seen dining together at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida, an encounter that quickly made headlines and fueled speculation about a renewed alliance.
Political observers say the meeting may reflect mutual recognition of shared strategic interests.
That apparent thaw has added weight to Trump’s remarks about potentially engaging Musk on the Iran internet issue.
Neither Musk nor SpaceX has publicly responded to Trump’s comments. Requests for clarification on whether Starlink could be activated or expanded for use in Iran were unanswered as of Sunday.
Technology, protests, and global implications
Iran’s internet shutdowns have drawn condemnation from organizations such as Amnesty International, which argues that access to information is a fundamental human right.
Digital rights advocates warn that state-imposed blackouts often lead to human rights abuses by shielding security forces from scrutiny and isolating citizens from global attention.
At the same time, critics caution that the growing role of private companies in global connectivity raises difficult questions about accountability. Decisions made by a single corporate executive could shape political outcomes, diplomatic relations, and even protest movements in sovereign states.
The possibility of Starlink being used again in Iran underscores how satellite technology is reshaping modern geopolitics. Unlike traditional infrastructure, these systems are harder for governments to control, offering new pathways for communication during unrest.
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