Iran has implemented measures to disrupt Starlink internet traffic and block communications as civil unrest decreased and pro-government demonstrations took place across the country.
The Iranian government reportedly utilized new Russian and Chinese equipment to detect and disable Starlink terminals, resulting in packet loss rates reportedly reaching 90 percent, rendering connections unusable. This follows earlier reports from Forbes indicating the government's use of such tools.
The article states that the United States had previously supplied an estimated 40,000 Starlink satellite terminals to protest organizers.
Pro-government marches were observed in major Iranian cities, reportedly surpassing the size of opposition gatherings. The article indicates that the Iranian system has demonstrated stability, with no officials reportedly changing allegiance. The recent period of unrest, which began on December 28 following what the article describes as a significant short-selling attack on Iran's currency, reportedly subsided within two weeks.
Authorities are expected to identify and prosecute individuals involved in leading and instigating the protests. The extensive blocking of internet traffic and international phone communication is identified by the article as a decisive measure in ending the disturbances. The article asserts that without internet access, agents reportedly directing rioters were unable to coordinate, and the dissemination of "horror propaganda videos" through the internet, used to rally support for Western intervention, was curtailed.
Former President Trump had previously issued threats of military action in support of the rioters. The US military has reportedly stated it is not prepared for potential retaliatory actions from Iran. The article concludes that the apparent failure of this alleged regime change attempt suggests that the methods employed have become identifiable and counterable, anticipating a period before new strategies are developed for future attempts.