Iran has threatened to target businesses linked to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk across the Middle East, including SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet network, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate following days of military confrontation.
The warning, reported by Iran’s state-affiliated Fars News Agency on Thursday, marks a significant expansion of Tehran’s rhetoric against American technology interests and raises concerns about potential attacks on private-sector assets linked to U.S. strategic operations.
Iran Declares Musk-Linked Assets Potential Military Targets
According to the report, Iranian authorities believe companies associated with Elon Musk are part of the infrastructure supporting U.S. military activities against the Islamic Republic.
A report shared through Fars News Agency’s Telegram channel claimed that all economic assets connected to Musk in West Asia could be considered legitimate military targets.
The report cited an unnamed source who alleged that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system has been used to support advanced U.S. military operations, including surveillance missions, attack drones, and unmanned naval vessels involved in actions against Iran.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to attack all facilities related to holdings managed by Elon Musk in the region and occupied territories,” the source reportedly stated.
Starlink Accused of Supporting US Military Operations
Iranian officials reportedly view recent U.S. military actions as war crimes and accuse Musk-linked businesses of providing technological support for those operations.
Starlink, which provides satellite-based internet connectivity across several regions worldwide, has become increasingly important in military and emergency communication networks. Tehran’s allegations suggest that the service has become part of the broader geopolitical confrontation between Iran and the United States.
The latest threat places Starlink among several American technology interests that have faced criticism and warnings from Iranian authorities.
Iran Previously Threatened Major US Tech Companies
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has previously issued warnings against major American technology giants, including Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Google, accusing them of supporting U.S. policies and military capabilities.
The inclusion of Elon Musk’s companies in Iran’s list of potential targets highlights growing concerns over the role of private technology firms in modern warfare and international conflicts.
Donald Trump Threatens Major Military Action Against Iran
The development came as U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his own rhetoric against Tehran.
In a social media post on Thursday, Trump warned that the United States would strike Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and suggested that Washington was preparing to seize control of Kharg Island, Iran’s most important oil export terminal, along with other key energy infrastructure.
The threat further heightened fears of a broader military confrontation in the Middle East.
US-Iran Tensions Reach Dangerous New Level
The exchange of threats follows several days of escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran.
Tensions surged after Trump accused Iran of shooting down a U.S. Army helicopter conducting patrol operations over the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The allegation was followed by U.S. retaliatory strikes on Tuesday, prompting a military response from Tehran.
Reports indicate that American forces launched additional missile strikes against Iranian targets on Wednesday, further intensifying the conflict.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News on Thursday morning, Trump defended the military campaign.
“We dropped $250 million worth of bombs on them last night,” the U.S. president said.
Global Markets Watch Growing Middle East Crisis
Security analysts warn that threats against Starlink, SpaceX infrastructure, and other American-linked assets could have far-reaching implications for regional stability, global technology networks, and international energy markets.
With both Tehran and Washington exchanging increasingly aggressive warnings, concerns are mounting that diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis may have collapsed, raising the risk of a wider conflict across the Middle East.
