Apple News Today How the Pentagon smuggled Elon Musk’s Starlink into Iran
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Feb 17, 2026 A covert U.S. operation to get Starlink terminals into Iran and the risks of using them under surveillance. Letters from children detained at a Texas immigration center paint a stark picture of life inside. New evidence and remembrances around the death of Russian dissident Alexey Navalny. A mix of breaking crime reports and a tribute to a famed actor.
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U.S. Sent Starlink Into Iran
- The U.S. covertly smuggled about 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran to keep protesters online.
- Publicizing this operation raises the risk that Iranians with any Starlink could be suspected of receiving U.S. help and face harsher punishment.
Severe Penalties For Starlink Use
- Owning a Starlink terminal in Iran carries severe legal risk, including long prison terms or possible execution.
- The Journal noted that making the smuggling public could increase those risks for current Starlink users.
Scale And Unclear Impact
- Analysts estimate tens of thousands of Iranians already own Starlink terminals, amplifying potential reach.
- It remains unclear whether the smuggling will affect diplomatic talks or on-the-ground protest dynamics.