Agencies
Washington
US President Donald Trump has said he plans to speak with Elon Musk about the possibility of restoring internet access in Iran as the country continues to experience a widespread connectivity blackout.
“Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something,” President Trump said of his tariff plan.
The comments came as Iranian authorities maintained severe restrictions on internet access during ongoing anti-government protests that have disrupted communications across much of the country. Independent monitoring groups have reported sharp drops in connectivity, suggesting a near-nationwide shutdown affecting both mobile and fixed-line services.
Trump, speaking to reporters, indicated that he could raise the issue in discussions with Musk, whose company SpaceX operates Starlink.
The use of Starlink terminals has previously provided an alternative means of access in regions where domestic networks have been disrupted or restricted.
“He’s very good at that kind of thing, he’s got a very good company,” Trump said when asked whether he would consult Musk on helping restore connectivity in Iran.
The remarks come amid broader U.S. statements that officials are examining “very strong options” in response to the unrest, although details remain fluid and unspecified.
Iran’s internet has been repeatedly targeted during periods of political tension, with previous shutdowns aimed at limiting information flow and organisational capabilities among protest movements.
The strategic deployment of satellite broadband such as Starlink has raised complex questions in recent years about how independent network technologies can be used to bypass government-imposed shutdowns and ensure continuity of communications.
