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Iran says 'kill switch' disrupted Starlink internet connections.
Summary
Iran has reportedly used a 'kill switch' and military jammers to interrupt Starlink satellite internet, and NetBlocks reported national connectivity near 1% after more than 60 hours.
Content
Iran has reported using a so-called "kill switch" to interrupt Starlink satellite internet, an action described in recent reporting as involving military jammers. Monitoring groups and experts have reported large drops in Starlink traffic and a broader national connectivity collapse. Commentators say satellite links were intended as a contingency when domestic internet is cut. The situation has drawn attention because it affects how people can reach outside networks during blackouts.
Known details:
- Reports indicate military jammers were deployed and reached satellite connections, disrupting Starlink uplink and downlink traffic.
- Initial monitoring cited about a 30% disruption in Starlink traffic that, according to the report, rose to more than 80% within hours.
- Accounts say GPS interference and localized effects have created a patchwork of connectivity rather than uniform outages.
- NetBlocks reported the national internet blackout had passed the 60-hour mark with overall connectivity around 1% of ordinary levels.
Summary:
The reported measures have sharply reduced satellite connectivity and coincide with a wider national internet blackout. Undetermined at this time.
Sources
Musk Offers Free Starlink in Iran as Internet Blackout Persists
Bloomberg Business1/13/2026, 7:34:13 PMOpen source →
The Ayatollah vs Musk showdown shaping Iran's fate
Yahoo1/13/2026, 4:44:17 PMOpen source →
Musk's Starlink remains operational in Iran, aiding protesters amid blackout
Yahoo1/12/2026, 10:36:30 PMOpen source →
'Kill Switch' -- Iran Shuts Down Starlink Internet For First Time
Forbes1/11/2026, 12:00:00 AMOpen source →
