President Donald Trump’s administration secretly smuggled thousands of Starlink satellite communication terminals into Iran during last month’s nationwide protests, allowing some demonstrators to bypass regime-imposed internet blackouts, a new Wall Street Journal report reveals.

The operation unfolded during the largest anti-government demonstrations Iran has seen in years, sparked by anger over political repression, economic hardship, and mass arrests. The protests drew widespread sympathy across the West, including in the United States, where lawmakers, activists, and senior officials urged Trump to intervene.

Publicly, the White House appeared to step back after Iranian authorities agreed to halt executions amid mounting international pressure. Trump later claimed that his threats of military action had forced Tehran to cancel hundreds of planned executions.

But behind the scenes, the Journal reports, the administration was pursuing a far more aggressive strategy.

After Iranian security forces violently suppressed the protests and imposed sweeping internet restrictions, U.S. officials arranged for roughly 6,000 Starlink terminals to be funneled into the country. The devices enabled protesters and opposition networks to remain connected despite government shutdowns.

According to the report, the United States Department of State had purchased about 7,000 terminals in the months leading up to the unrest. Officials said funds were redirected from other programs aimed at promoting digital freedom in Iran to finance the acquisition.

U.S. officials told the newspaper that Trump was aware of the shipments, though they said it remains unclear whether he personally authorized the smuggling operation.

Iranian authorities have long accused Washington of fomenting unrest and encouraging what they describe as “hostile elements” inside the country. U.S. officials have repeatedly denied direct involvement in protest activity. The Journal’s report, however, suggests American engagement was far deeper and more systematic than previously acknowledged.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)