Four individuals arrested in Iran for smuggling Starlink equipment

Iranian authorities have arrested four individuals in the northwestern region of Jolfa, East Azerbaijan province, on charges of smuggling Starlink satellite internet equipment. The group includes two foreign nationals and two Iranian citizens. According to the Tasnim news agency, the suspects are accused of operating within a network allegedly linked to intelligence collaboration with the United States and Israel. The Iranian citizens specifically face charges related to transmitting information to hostile networks and conducting espionage activities. Starlink technology is officially banned in Iran, and its use is subject to potential imprisonment as the country enforces strict internet restrictions. These arrests occur against a backdrop of ongoing internet blackouts and heightened geopolitical tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. The operation is part of an Iranian state-led crackdown on activities deemed threatening to national security.