Donald Trump says he will consult Elon Musk on restoring internet access in Iran.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to collaborate with Elon Musk to deploy SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet to restore online access in Iran, bypassing government-controlled shutdowns.

Iran Internet Crisis & Starlink Strategy

The Shutdown: Iranian connectivity levels have dropped to near zero due to centralized infrastructure control.
Starlink Advantage: Connects directly to orbiting satellites, avoiding local fiber-optic and mobile tower restrictions.
Humanitarian Goal: Restore news access, digital payments, and communication for families in a "state of fear and unrest."
Regulatory Hurdles: Requires special U.S. Treasury approvals due to technology transfer sanctions.

Geopolitical & Technical Challenges

Iranian officials have historically jammed satellite signals and warned against "foreign intruder" tools. Despite this, the U.S. is exploring satellite terminals as a primary bypass method. This collaboration also signals a warming "situationship" between Trump and Musk, following a shared dinner at Mar-a-Lago.