Iran has formally protested to Norway over what it describes as unauthorized Starlink satellite internet activity inside its territory, summoning the ambassador of Norway to the Foreign Ministry.
The Director General for International Peace and Security of the Foreign Ministry summoned Ambassador Pal Bjornstad and handed him a protest note. Iranian officials say Norway has failed to take effective action to stop the transmissions despite repeated requests from Tehran.
Iran has accused the United States and Israel of using the Starlink network for interference activities against it. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Tehran argues that Norway is the administration that registered the Starlink network with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Under certain international regulations, it says, Norway is responsible for acting against unauthorized transmissions.
Iran has demanded immediate and effective steps from Norway to stop them. The Radio Regulations Board of the ITU has also taken up the matter.
According to a board document, Iran complained of continued unauthorized use of Starlink terminals in its territory. The board urged Norway and the United States to comply with the relevant regulations and take appropriate measures to stop the unauthorized transmissions.
Iranian officials say Tehran contacted Norway several times on the issue without result. Iran maintains that the activity raises concerns for its national security and territorial sovereignty. Details of any fresh response from Norway or Starlink were not immediately available.
The protest comes amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States, with disagreements also growing over the use of satellite internet and communications technology. Starlink is the satellite internet network of SpaceX, the company owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, and provides internet directly via satellite in many parts of the world.
