Iran Arrests 163 Over Seized Starlink Devices Amid Security Concerns

Iranian authorities have arrested 163 individuals and confiscated 997 Starlink satellite internet devices in a crackdown between March and July 2026. The operations were led by the Economic Security Police, which reported that the equipment entered Iran primarily through its western and northwestern borders. The Iranian government has raised security concerns, suggesting the devices could be used for espionage or intelligence gathering. However, no independent evidence has been provided to support these claims. The unauthorized possession and use of such equipment is criminalized under Iranian law, with potential prison sentences for offenders. The crackdown follows heightened vigilance after a recent conflict, indicating a significant government response to perceived threats from foreign technology. The identities of those arrested and the specifics of their charges remain undisclosed.

Key Points: • Iran seized 997 Starlink devices and arrested 163 individuals in a major crackdown. • The equipment was reportedly smuggled into Iran from Azerbaijan and Iraq's Kurdistan Region. • Possession of Starlink devices is illegal in Iran, with severe penalties for offenders.