SpaceX intends to request an exemption from sanctions against Iran to the US administration to be able to offer internet connection services there through its Starlink satellite constellation, the founder of the aerospace company Elon Musk announced on his Twitter account on Monday. Responding to a question from a reporter, Elon Musk said that “Starlink will apply for an exemption from sanctions against Iran” in order to offer its service there.
Elon Musk initially announced that Starlink was now available on all continents “including Antarctica” as the company plans to launch up to 42,000 satellites to provide high-speed connection from space.
Offering the services in Iran could “really be a game changer for the future” of the country, Iranian-born science journalist Erfan Kasraie reacted, prompting Elon Musk’s response. The country is also facing protests following the death of a 22-year-old Iranian woman following her arrest by the morality police.
Iran, after aid to Ukraine
Launched in late 2020, the Starlink service provides Internet access, particularly in areas poorly served by fixed fixed and mobile networks, for the purchase of an antenna and modem and a subscription, the prices of which vary by country.
The service has been in the spotlight after providing antennas and modems to the Ukrainian military to improve its communication capabilities in the war against Russia.
SpaceX has deployed nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites since 2019 and conducts approximately one launch per week with its own Falcon 9 rockets to speed deployment of its constellation.
Iran has been under a tougher US sanctions regime since former President Donald Trump terminated the 2015 deal over its nuclear activities.
If the current president Joe Biden has been in favor of a renegotiation of the agreement, the Iranian insistence on obtaining guarantees from the US administration is blocking the discussions.
New rounds of sanctions were taken against Iran in early September, after the delivery of drones to Russia, on the one hand, as well as the alleged involvement of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security in the massive cyber attack that targeted Albania in July. .
Source: BFM TV
