The Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, has alleged that advanced satellite-based technology, including the US-operated internet service Starlink, was used to spread disinformation across Iran during recent nationwide protests. According to the ambassador, the dissemination of misleading information played a significant role in fuelling unrest and escalating violence, ultimately contributing to a high number of fatalities.
The remarks were made on Monday morning during a media briefing at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, where a select group of journalists were invited to discuss the evolving situation inside Iran. The meeting was organised to present Tehran’s perspective on the protests and the factors that, according to Iranian authorities, intensified the unrest.
Ambassador Jahanabadi claimed that sophisticated communication technologies were deliberately deployed to bypass domestic controls and circulate false narratives. These narratives, he said, were used to exploit public anger and frustration. “Armed elements were trained and mobilised by taking advantage of genuine grievances among sections of the population,” he stated, adding that these groups were responsible for initiating attacks on law enforcement agencies.
He further alleged that Western countries subsequently capitalised on these developments, portraying the violence as spontaneous public resistance. According to the ambassador, the entire operation was carried out with “careful planning, intelligence support, and strategic advice from the United States”.
What Is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based broadband internet service operated by SpaceX, a US aerospace company founded by technology entrepreneur Elon Musk, who also serves as its Chief Executive Officer. The service is known for providing high-speed internet access in remote or restricted regions, making it particularly controversial in countries where internet access is regulated during periods of political unrest.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Service name | Starlink |
| Technology type | Satellite-based internet |
| Parent company | SpaceX |
| Founder & CEO | Elon Musk |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Iran’s allegation | Used to spread disinformation |
Intelligence Failures and Casualties
When questioned about possible intelligence failures within Iran that allowed the unrest to escalate, Ambassador Jahanabadi avoided a direct response. However, he asserted that Iranian authorities had since succeeded in curbing the spread of foreign satellite-driven propaganda and restoring a degree of information control.
Despite repeated questions, the ambassador did not provide an exact figure for the number of people killed during the protests. He acknowledged that casualties had occurred but refrained from confirming official numbers, stating that investigations were ongoing.
Analysts note that the Iranian government has increasingly framed recent unrest as part of a broader “information war”, where digital platforms and satellite communication play a central role. The ambassador’s comments reflect Tehran’s growing concern over the influence of global technology companies in domestic political movements.
While critics argue that such claims deflect attention from internal political and social challenges, Iranian officials maintain that external interference has significantly shaped the scale and intensity of the protests.
The discussion in Dhaka underscores how modern protest movements are no longer confined within national borders but are deeply intertwined with global technology, geopolitics, and information control, raising complex questions about sovereignty, free expression, and digital power in the 21st century.