Musk turns on Starlink in Iran amid rising Israel-Iran tensions:The beams are on, says Elon Musk as Iran faces a nationwide internet blackout

Elon Musk has done it again — this time turning on satellite internet over Iran as tensions between Iran and Israel spiral.
The move comes after Iran’s government restricted internet access across the country following Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear sites. In response to a post on X (formerly Twitter) claiming that Iran wanted to cut off online communication to prevent protests, Musk simply replied: The beams are on. This confirmed that Starlink, Musk’s satellite-based internet system, is now active over Iran. What is Starlink Starlink is a network of satellites in low Earth orbit, designed to bring internet to areas that lack reliable connectivity, especially during emergencies or conflicts where the local internet is blocked or damaged. Why did Iran cut Internet Iran’s communications ministry said on Friday it had placed temporary restrictions on internet access following Israeli military attacks. The ministry said in a statement carried by the ISNA news agency: Temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country’s internet. They will be lifted once normalcy returns. A dangerous escalation While internet access became a battleground online, real-world tensions escalated between Iran and Israel, with fresh attacks reported on both sides through the weekend. At least 10 people, including children, were killed in Israeli areas hit by Iranian missiles, according to authorities. Rescuers searched through rubble using flashlights and sniffer dogs to find survivors. Israel responded with more strikes and warned Iranian citisens living near military sites to evacuate immediately. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning: What Iran has seen so far is only the beginning. Starlink’s launch in Iran shows how satellite internet can keep people connected during blackouts. It bypasses local restrictions and challenges government control.