U.S. President Donald Trump says he plans to speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, where authorities have imposed a four-day blackout amid nationwide anti-government protests.
Trump praised Musk’s Starlink satellite service as a potential tool to bypass restrictions, reviving a partnership that has seen periods of both cooperation and public fallout.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said Musk was well placed to help reconnect Iranians to the outside world.
“He’s very good at that kind of thing, he’s got a very good company,” Trump said when asked whether he would engage SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet network. Musk and SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Iran has severely restricted internet access since Thursday, curbing the flow of information as protests spread across the country.
The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over rising prices, have since evolved into broader opposition to Iran’s clerical leadership, marking the most extensive unrest since 2022.
Trump’s remarks highlight a renewed alignment with Musk after a turbulent relationship. The billionaire supported Trump’s successful presidential campaign and later played a role in sweeping government cuts.
Their ties cooled last year when Musk opposed Trump’s signature tax bill, but recent signs point to a thaw. The two were seen dining together this month at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit a SpaceX facility in Texas on today.
Starlink has previously been deployed in Iran to help users circumvent state controls. During protests in 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody, the Biden administration worked with Musk to facilitate access to the service.
Starlink has also been used in conflict zones such as Ukraine, though Musk controversially ordered a shutdown during a key Ukrainian offensive in 2022.
Rights groups estimate hundreds have been killed in the current unrest. U.S.-based HRANA says it has verified 490 protester deaths and 48 security personnel killed, with more than 10,600 arrests. Iranian authorities have not released official figures.
