Iran threatens SpaceX and Starlink facilities across Middle East amid escalating standoff with U.S.

Iran has threatened to target facilities linked to Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Starlink operations across the Middle East, including in Israel, state media reported on Thursday, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate following recent U.S. military strikes.

According to Iran’s state-owned Fars News Agency, assets connected to Musk’s business interests in the region have been designated as potential military targets.

“All interests related to economic holdings managed by Elon Musk in West Asia, including Arab countries and Israel, have been entirely included in the initial list for drafting new targets,” Fars News Agency reported. The agency added that “Iran reserves the right to attack all facilities related to holdings managed by Musk in the region.”

Threats Follow Escalating Regional Conflict

The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel following a new wave of U.S. military operations against Iranian targets.

Iranian officials have increasingly accused Western countries and technology companies of supporting activities they view as hostile to the Islamic Republic. The latest threat marks a significant escalation in Tehran’s rhetoric toward private-sector technology infrastructure operating in the region.

Starlink’s Role Inside Iran

Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink has become a particular point of contention for Iranian authorities. Starlink terminals have been used by anti-government activists and ordinary citizens inside Iran to maintain internet access during government-imposed communications blackouts, particularly during periods of unrest and demonstrations.

The satellite-based service enables users to bypass conventional telecommunications networks, allowing internet access even when local providers are restricted or shut down.

Iranian authorities have previously banned the use of Starlink devices, viewing them as a challenge to state control over communications.

The Fars News Agency report did not specify which locations or facilities could be affected, nor did it provide details on any timeline for potential action.

Neither SpaceX nor Musk had publicly responded to the reported threats as of Thursday.

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