Iran designates Elon Musk's companies as military targets amid escalating U.S. tensions
Iranian state media reported Thursday that Iran will consider all of Elon Musk's companies operating in the Middle East—including Starlink and X—as military targets in retaliation against the U.S. The threat comes as President Trump warned of imminent U.S. military action against Iran and threatened to seize control of the country's oil infrastructure. The designation reflects Iran's assertion that Musk-linked companies have been used by the U.S. military in operations against Iranian targets.
Iranian state media outlet Fars News Agency reported Thursday that Iran will treat Elon Musk's business interests in the Middle East as legitimate military targets, citing alleged use of Starlink and X by U.S. and Israeli militaries. The threat specifically mentions Starlink ground stations in Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, as well as SpaceX operations. An unnamed source quoted by Fars claimed the U.S. military used Musk-linked companies to conduct attacks on Iranian water infrastructure this week. The escalation coincides with President Trump's declaration on social media that the U.S. will attack Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT" and his threat to seize Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub. SpaceX has become a major U.S. military contractor through its Starshield program, which provides satellite communications and intelligence services to government and defense customers.
What's missing
The sources do not provide Iran's official government response or clarification on whether this represents formal Iranian policy or is limited to state media rhetoric. Additionally, neither source includes comment from Musk, SpaceX, or X regarding the threat or their operational status in the region.
What different sources said
- ForbesCenter
Iran Adds Elon Musk Companies To List Of Military Targets, State Media Reports
- CNBCCenter
Iran threatens Elon Musk's companies in Middle East: Iranian state media
- CNBCCenter
Iran threatens Elon Musk's companies in Middle East: Iranian state media
- BreitbartFar Right
Iran Designates Elon Musk's Middle East SpaceX Operations as Military Targets
- ForbesCenter
Elon Musk’s Companies Could Be Attacked By Iran, State Media Reports
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