U.S. repeatedly asked Musk to restrict or expand Starlink access, Reuters says

In a report by Reuters, six former senior U.S. officials have revealed that both the Biden and Trump administrations repeatedly sought to modify Starlink access in various countries. These requests aimed to assist allies while potentially disrupting communications of adversaries. During the Biden administration, officials pushed for restrictions on terminals allegedly utilized by Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

Intelligence shared with SpaceX suggested militants had acquired Starlink equipment via intermediaries, leading to requests to identify and deactivate certain terminals. Some terminals were reportedly disabled as a result. Concurrently, Washington advocated for enhanced Starlink access in Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion and in Iran during anti-government protests that same year.

President Trump's administration reportedly pursued similar measures following U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran in 2025 and 2026, though the activation of these terminals remains unconfirmed. These revelations come in the wake of recent limitations on Ukraine's Starshield military satellite service, which Kyiv claims have interfered with drone operations and battlefield communications.

Reuters earlier reported that the order to diminish Starshield speeds came from within the White House. SpaceX's CEO, Elon Musk, maintains that Starshield systems are directed by the U.S. government, with final decisions on operations left to military authorities and the president. Trump announced on Friday his intention to contact Musk if necessary to resolve Ukraine's communication issues.

This situation has heightened concerns among European officials regarding reliance on SpaceX infrastructure for vital military capabilities. Ukraine presently lacks a suitable substitute for Starlink in terms of frontline communications and drone operations. Democratic congressman Jason Crow has also urged for greater transparency regarding these restrictions, questioning the national security ramifications of such heavy dependence on private entities. SpaceX declined to comment on the matter when approached by Reuters.