by Shahziab Saqib
Iran is reportedly considering Elon Musk's business interests in the Middle East, including Starlink and SpaceX-related infrastructure, as potential military targets amid rapidly escalating tensions with the United States. The warning emerged after President Donald Trump threatened to seize Iran’s strategic Kharg Island and take control of parts of the country's oil infrastructure.
According to reports citing Iran's state-linked Fars News Agency, Tehran is reviewing a broader target list that includes economic and technology assets connected to Musk across the region. Iranian officials reportedly argue that Starlink and related systems have been used to support communications and internet access during periods of conflict and unrest.
The development follows Trump's latest warning that the United States could strike Iran "very hard" and eventually take control of Kharg Island, Iran's most important oil-export hub. The island is considered an economic lifeline for Tehran and handles the vast majority of the country's oil exports.
Starlink has already been a point of tension between Tehran and Musk. Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the satellite internet network of helping users bypass government internet restrictions, and earlier this year Iranian media described Starlink as a "legitimate target."
While no attack has been announced and there is no evidence that Iran has moved against Musk-owned facilities, the rhetoric highlights how the conflict is expanding beyond traditional military targets into the technology and communications sector. Analysts warn that any direct threat against commercial infrastructure could further widen the regional crisis.