WASHINGTON: US administrations repeatedly asked Elon Musk’s SpaceX to change Starlink access in Ukraine and the Middle East, six former senior officials told Reuters.
Requests under former President Joe Biden included restricting service to prevent groups in Yemen and Lebanon from using the satellite network, according to the officials.
Other requests sought expanded access for Ukraine’s military and internet connectivity inside Iran. President Donald Trump’s administration also discussed activating services in Iran following US-Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026.
Officials described those efforts as intended to improve communications for anti-government protesters. Their accounts concern requests to SpaceX and do not establish that every proposed change occurred. All spoke anonymously.
Meanwhile, a separate dispute continues over restrictions affecting Ukraine’s military satellite communications. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said reduced access had interfered with drone operations.
Starshield is SpaceX’s military satellite service, distinct from its commercial Starlink offering. Both have been at the centre of the dispute over Ukraine’s connectivity.
Read More: US Asked SpaceX to Alter Starlink in Ukraine and Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that SpaceX and Musk, under commercial arrangements, made decisions about access. He denied knowing beforehand about the decision to restrict service.
However, Musk attributed responsibility for Starshield limits to the US government, arguing that the military and ultimately the president determined restrictions.
Trump said on Friday he would address ongoing problems with Ukraine’s access, but declined to identify who ordered the restrictions. “If there is a problem, I’ll get it straightened out,” he said.
Ukraine has sought to restore normal service speeds. SpaceX had not responded to requests for comment on the earlier access requests.
(With additional input from The Associated Press)
