Iran successfully disabled Starlink terminals, warns satellite internet could become 'military target'
Tehran - BORNA - Speaking at the third Internet Businesses Conference hosted by Iran’s Cyber Police (FATA), Seyed Mohammad Amin Aghamiri stated that Iran managed to systematically disrupt Starlink terminals during the events of last winter.
"Iran successfully disabled Starlink terminals during the events of Dey [December 2025–January 2026] last year, and at that very time, Western media confirmed the success of Iran and the execution of the operation to disable the Starlink terminals," said Aghamiri, who also heads the National Cyberspace Center.
He emphasized that this "important and completely successful technical operation" is just one of the tools at Iran's disposal, noting the country possesses other technologies to identify and block the activity of such terminals.
Aghamiri further warned against the weaponization of satellite communication networks. "If satellite internet infrastructure is used as a tool of war, it can naturally become a legitimate military target, and the country has the necessary readiness at all levels to confront such conditions," he cautioned.
Touching upon recent cyber warfare, Aghamiri noted that cyberattacks against Iran commenced from the very first moments of the enemy's recent military aggression. He praised the coordination among technical experts, executive bodies, and businesses, which successfully contained the vast majority of these attacks.
While acknowledging that attackers managed to cause some minor disruptions, he stressed that the national cybersecurity apparatus's primary objective was to ensure vital public services remained operational with minimal impact or anxiety transferred to citizens.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Aghamiri discussed the evolving landscape of internet governance. He highlighted the convergence of content, services, and infrastructure in cyberspace, noting that this reality requires updated regulatory frameworks to avoid both stifling business innovation through rigid traditionalism and falling victim to "regulatory capture" through excessive leniency.
He commended the FATA Police for advancing a new economic approach to cybersecurity, including the implementation of cyber insurance—a framework recently approved by the Supreme Council of Cyberspace. Furthermore, he announced an upcoming cybersecurity ranking system for businesses and digital platforms, aimed at informing the public about data risks and fostering a competitive security environment among service providers.
Developing a network of "security assessors," as outlined in the country's 7th National Development Plan, will further assist the government in protecting people's data and privacy, the official concluded, praising Iranian elites and knowledge-based companies for homegrown innovations that continue to enhance the nation's cyber deterrence.
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