In a major escalation of the digital conflict, Iranian authorities have reportedly achieved a technological breakthrough in electronic warfare, successfully jamming both Starlink satellite signals and GPS frequencies across the country. The operation has resulted in a confirmed 30% drop in active Starlink users within 24 hours, effectively severing a critical communication lifeline for protesters and opposition groups.
Tehran has publicly justified the move by accusing the United States and Israel of using these satellite networks to "coordinate riots" and destabilize the regime from abroad. This narrative aligns with Supreme Leader Khamenei's recent warning that the U.S. "will fail" in its current pressure campaign, framing the jamming as a defensive measure against foreign intervention.
Defense analysts are alarmed by the sophistication of the jamming capability. While GPS interference is common in conflict zones, effectively disrupting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations like Starlink requires advanced, high-power electronic warfare systems that few nations possess. This development suggests that the "internet from space," often touted as uncensorable, may not be immune to state-level suppression.
Point is Israel sated yesterday Chinese Intelligence is actively helping Iran in quenching the rebellion. Only China was carrying out experiments of jamming Starlink which Chinese believed greatly helped Ukraine against Russia in the initial years. Two months ago they claimed success too. China said: In their words, "If we obtain real radiation and suppression data from Starlink, the jamming strategy can be made even more precise." (https://www.eastisrising.in/view-news/580). So may be its Chinese technological help that is helping Iran in jamming Starlink inside Iran.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
