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| The White House and Musk are in talks to provide Iran with satellite internet |
The White House has held talks with Elon Musk about the possibility of providing his company's Starlink satellite Internet service to Iran, CNN reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The talks come as the Biden administration explores ways to support the Iranian protest movement, who was killed under suspicious circumstances after the arrest of 22-year-old Mohsa Amini by Iran's morality police more than a year ago, two months after the outbreak.
The White House sees Starlink's compact, easy-to-use technology as a potential solution to the Iranian government's efforts to limit protesters' communications and Internet access.
"We are determined to do everything in our power to support the aspirations of the Iranian people," CNN quoted a US government official as saying, adding, "This is our policy and there is no discussion about it." At the same time, the truth is that the Iranian movement, led by young girls, extends to all walks of life and we do not want to underestimate their actions.
If Musk accepts the White House's request, it will be the second time this year, after Ukraine, that the United States has turned to Starlink to help provide communications services the government believes are essential.
The US Treasury said last month that some satellite internet hardware could be exported to Iran, indicating that the company may not need a license to provide satellite broadband services in the country.
Musk then said he would launch Starlink in response to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's tweet that the United States had taken steps to promote "internet freedom and the free flow of information" for Iranians.
While Musk supports government efforts to ensure Ukrainians and Iranians have access to the Internet, he has publicly warned that Starlink has not received funding from the US Department of Defense for its services in Ukraine, adding that the company spends about $20 per month losing US dollar chargebacks. and services. Additional costs.
But soon he announced his retirement, and his company will continue to provide Internet services in Ukraine.