WASHINGTON: SpaceX will seek an exemption from US sanctions on Iran in an effort to offer the country its satellite internet service, owner Elon Musk said on Monday.
"Starlink will request a waiver on Iran sanctions," Musk said in response to a science reporter's tweet.
Musk initially announced that Starlink satellite internet service was available on every continent, including Antarctica, and the company planned to launch up to 42,000 satellites to boost connectivity.
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Iranian-born science journalist Erfan Kasraie said on Twitter that bringing the service to Iran could be a "real game changer for the future" of the country, prompting Musk's response.
Launched in late 2020, Starlink offers high-speed broadband services to customers in areas underserved by fixed and mobile terrestrial networks via a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.
The service gained notoriety after supplying antennas and modems to the Ukrainian military to improve its communications capabilities in the war with Russia.
Starlink is monetized through the purchase of antennas, modems, and subscriptions with prices that vary by country.
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As of 2019, nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites have been deployed, and SpaceX is launching about one a week using its own Falcon 9 rockets to speed up deployment.
Iran has been under a tougher regime of US sanctions since former President Donald Trump scrapped a 2015 deal on its nuclear activities.
While current President Joe Biden supports renegotiating the deal, Iran's insistence on long-term guarantees from Washington has stalled talks.
New rounds of sanctions were imposed on Iran this month after a Tehran-based company helped send drones to Russia and in response to a massive cyber attack on Albania in July, allegedly carried out by Iran's intelligence ministry.
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