US Governments Repeatedly Asked Musk to Control Starlink Access in Conflict Zones

The administrations of former US President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump have repeatedly asked Elon Musk’s SpaceX to activate or restrict its Starlink satellite internet service in different countries, according to a Reuters report citing six former senior American officials familiar with the discussions.

The previously unreported requests involved Ukraine, Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, where satellite connectivity has become increasingly important for military communications, civilian internet access and regional security. The disclosures also highlight Washington’s growing reliance on a privately operated satellite network to support its foreign policy objectives.

According to the officials cited by Reuters, the Biden administration asked SpaceX on several occasions to restrict access for terminals believed to be used by Iran-backed armed groups in Yemen and Lebanon. At other times, US officials sought to expand Starlink availability to support Ukraine’s military and provide internet access inside Iran during periods of political unrest.

The Trump administration also reportedly approached Musk and SpaceX about enabling Starlink access in Iran following US-Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026. The stated objective was to improve internet connectivity and communications for anti-government protesters.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Reuters reported that the earlier requests were being disclosed publicly for the first time.

Biden Administration Sought Both Restrictions and Expanded Access

During Biden’s presidency, US officials worked with SpaceX on requests involving both the activation and deactivation of Starlink terminals, depending on the circumstances.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, American officials encouraged SpaceX to expand Starlink services for Ukrainian forces. Satellite connectivity became an important component of Ukraine’s military communications, particularly in areas where conventional networks were damaged or unreliable.

The Biden administration also reportedly asked SpaceX to activate Starlink in Iran during protests that began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by Iranian authorities over alleged violations of the country’s dress rules.

One former official told Reuters that Starlink terminals were moved into Iran with assistance from the administration, although the official did not disclose how many devices were transferred.

At the same time, US officials sought to prevent hostile groups from accessing the network. According to the former officials, the Pentagon and White House coordinated with SpaceX over concerns that terminals diverted through intermediaries had reached Iran-linked Houthi militants in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

During the Israel-Hezbollah fighting in October 2023, US intelligence officials reportedly raised concerns that individuals associated with Hezbollah might have obtained Starlink terminals. Similar concerns emerged in 2024 regarding the Houthis during a US military campaign against the group.

The administration shared intelligence with SpaceX and requested that the company identify and deactivate terminals believed to be in the hands of the groups. Two former officials told Reuters that at least some of the terminals were switched off.

Trump Administration Sought Starlink Access for Iran

The Trump administration reportedly made similar requests to SpaceX in 2025 and 2026, seeking to make Starlink available inside Iran after US-Israeli military strikes.

According to a former senior Trump administration official and another person familiar with the discussions, officials hoped expanded satellite internet access would help anti-government protesters communicate and access information during periods of disruption.

However, neither the Trump administration nor SpaceX had publicly confirmed that the terminals involved in those discussions were activated. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that the US government sent thousands of Starlink terminals into Iran.

Iran’s delegation to the United Nations did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the reported arrangements.

The requests illustrate how satellite connectivity can become part of a wider geopolitical strategy. Governments may seek to expand access to help people communicate during internet shutdowns, while simultaneously asking providers to restrict services when terminals are believed to be used by groups considered security threats.

Ukraine’s Recent Starlink Restrictions Raise New Questions

The disclosures come amid a separate controversy over restrictions on Ukraine’s access to SpaceX satellite services. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said limitations affecting the military-focused Starshield system interfered with Ukrainian drone operations. Ukraine has also reported reduced speeds on Starlink, which its forces use for communications and certain military activities.

Starlink provides satellite internet connectivity, while Starshield is a related system designed for government and national security applications. Both are associated with SpaceX, but Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government, according to Musk.

Reuters previously reported that an order to reduce Starshield services originated within the White House. The Trump administration acknowledged the slowdown but did not publicly confirm whether it had directed the restrictions.

Musk said on social media that decisions about Starshield’s speed and usage were made by the US military and ultimately the president. The latest reporting adds historical context to the dispute by showing that successive administrations have approached SpaceX over service availability in multiple regions.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian embassy in Washington said Ukraine’s priority was to have service restored to normal speeds as quickly as possible, stressing that the lives of Ukrainians depended on reliable connectivity.

For Ukrainian forces, satellite communications have become central to coordination between frontline units, drone operations and communication with commanders. The reported restrictions have renewed concerns among Ukraine’s allies about the consequences of relying on technology controlled by a private company.

Europe Considers the Risks of Reliance on Private Satellite Networks

The episode has also prompted concern among European officials, some of whom argue that Europe needs to strengthen its own military satellite communications capabilities.

Starlink has become an important communications resource for Ukraine, and officials have warned that no immediate alternative offers the same combination of coverage and operational capability. Developing independent systems could take considerable time and investment.

The wider issue is not limited to Ukraine. When governments depend on privately operated infrastructure for military or strategic purposes, questions arise over who has the authority to determine access, how restrictions are implemented and what safeguards exist for countries relying on the service.

The US government has worked with SpaceX on security and foreign policy objectives for years. In a 2024 submission to the US Commerce Department, SpaceX said it worked with government agencies to secure export authorisations where required and safeguard technology in support of national security and foreign policy goals.

Nevertheless, the latest revelations have renewed debate over the influence a private company can exercise when its technology becomes essential to military operations and communications in conflict zones.

Musk’s Role at the Centre of the Debate

Musk’s position as SpaceX chief executive has drawn scrutiny because the company operates a satellite network used by the US government, allied militaries and civilians around the world.

The Reuters report suggests that US officials from both administrations have treated SpaceX as a partner in implementing decisions involving internet access and national security. Requests to activate or restrict service have depended on the country involved, the users concerned and the objectives of the US government.

The company did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the latest report. Musk’s previous statements have emphasised the US government’s authority over Starshield, although the broader history of requests also demonstrates that SpaceX has played a role in decisions affecting Starlink availability.

The latest disclosures do not establish that every request was carried out or that Musk personally made each operational decision. They do, however, reveal the extent to which US officials have sought the company’s cooperation in managing satellite connectivity in strategically important regions.

As satellite internet becomes more significant to military operations, civilian communications and geopolitical competition, the relationship between governments and private technology providers is likely to remain under scrutiny. The central question is how countries can benefit from these systems while ensuring that decisions affecting critical communications are subject to clear authority and accountability.