US Repeatedly Asked Elon Musk to Control Starlink Access in Ukraine and Middle East: Report

The United States government has repeatedly approached billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX to modify the availability of its Starlink satellite internet services in Ukraine and parts of the Middle East, according to a Reuters investigation. The requests reportedly took place under both the Joe Biden and Donald Trump administrations, highlighting the growing role of private satellite networks in American foreign policy and international security operations.

According to six former senior US officials familiar with the discussions, Washington made several requests to activate or restrict Starlink services in different countries depending on its diplomatic and military priorities.

The revelations come amid controversy over restrictions imposed on Ukraine's access to SpaceX satellite communications, which Ukrainian officials said affected military operations against Russian forces.

Biden Administration Sought Restrictions on Iran-Linked Groups

During Joe Biden's presidency, US officials reportedly asked SpaceX to disable Starlink terminals believed to be used by Iran-backed groups, including Yemen's Houthis and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

According to former officials cited by Reuters, American intelligence agencies had shared information with SpaceX indicating that diverted Starlink terminals may have reached these groups through intermediaries.

In October 2023, US officials raised concerns about possible Hezbollah-linked access to the satellite network during fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Similar concerns emerged in 2024 regarding the Houthis in Yemen, particularly during American military operations against the group.

The Biden administration reportedly asked SpaceX to identify and deactivate the terminals. Some of the devices were subsequently switched off, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

Washington Also Wanted Starlink Activated in Iran

The US government's requests were not limited to restricting access. The Biden administration also reportedly encouraged SpaceX to activate Starlink services in Iran during protests that followed the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.

The move was intended to help people access the internet during government restrictions and communication disruptions. According to one former official cited by Reuters, Starlink terminals were brought into Iran with assistance from the US administration, although the official did not disclose how many devices entered the country.

The Trump administration reportedly pursued a similar approach following US-Israeli military strikes against Iran in June 2025 and February 2026. A former senior Trump administration official and another person familiar with the matter said discussions took place about making Starlink available in Iran to support internet access for anti-government protesters.

However, neither the Trump administration nor SpaceX publicly confirmed that the proposed terminals were activated.

Ukraine's Dependence on Starlink Raises Security Concerns

Starlink has become an important communications network for Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian military personnel rely on the satellite-based internet service for communications, coordination and certain drone operations.

The recent restrictions on Ukraine's access to SpaceX services have raised concerns about the country's dependence on a privately operated satellite network.

Ukraine has reported disruptions to Starshield, the military-grade satellite communications system developed by SpaceX for government and national-security customers. Ukrainian officials said the restrictions affected drone operations, including missions targeting Russian military positions and efforts to intercept incoming attack drones.

Reuters separately reported that an order to limit Starshield access came from within the White House, although the officials cited did not identify who issued the instruction.

Musk has maintained that Starshield is controlled by the US government and that restrictions on its speed or usage are determined by American military authorities and ultimately the President.

Growing Questions Over SpaceX's Role in US Foreign Policy

The repeated requests to modify Starlink access illustrate how closely the US government has come to depend on SpaceX for communications infrastructure in strategically important regions.

Although Starlink is a privately operated commercial service, its role in military communications and international crises has made decisions about access increasingly significant for governments and their security partners.

The situation has also prompted concerns among European officials about relying on a satellite network controlled by a private American company. Some have argued that Europe needs to develop independent military satellite communications capabilities to reduce its dependence on external providers.

The latest revelations underline the intersection of private technology companies, national security and international diplomacy. As governments increasingly rely on commercial satellite networks, questions about access, accountability and control are likely to remain central to discussions about the future of global communications.