US President Donald Trump says he will speak with Elon Musk to restore internet in Iran, cut off by the government amid protests since December 28, 2025. The protests are the largest since 2022, triggered by price hikes and targeting the clerical regime. Trump praised Musk's expertise via his SpaceX company.
Jakarta, VIVA – US President Donald Trump revealed plans to contact Elon Musk to provide Starlink services in Iran, after the government cut internet access since January 8, 2026. The blackout occurs amid anti-government protests that began on December 28, 2025, due to surging price hikes, now targeting clerical rulers since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
"He (Musk) is very good at that sort of thing. He also has a great company (SpaceX, which oversees Starlink)," Trump said, quoted by Reuters on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Elon Musk and SpaceX have not responded to comment requests. Trump and Musk's relationship has been rocky after Musk funded Trump's 2024 presidential campaign but clashed over a tax bill last year. They recently reconciled, including dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit SpaceX facilities in Texas on January 13, 2026. Musk previously supported Starlink for Iran during 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini's death, collaborating with President Joe Biden. Starlink has also been used in Ukraine, though Musk ordered a shutdown during a key Ukrainian attack in 2022.
The current protests are hindering information flow, similar to the 2022 situation.
