Trump plans talks with Elon Musk over restoring internet in Iran

US President Donald Trump has said he plans to speak with tech billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, as the country continues to face a widespread communications blackout.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said Musk could play a key role in addressing the situation, praising his expertise and the capabilities of his companies.

Trump's comments came as he was responding to a question about whether he would engage Musk’s space technology firm SpaceX, which operates the satellite internet service Starlink. 

The service has previously been used to provide connectivity in regions facing internet shutdowns, including Iran.

Notably, Iran has experienced severe internet disruptions for the past four days amid growing anti-government protests, significantly limiting the flow of information from inside the country. 

Trump and Musk have shared a complex relationship in recent years. While Musk supported Trump’s successful presidential campaign and later backed government efficiency efforts, the two had a public disagreement last year over Trump’s tax policies. 

However, recent interactions suggest ties have improved, with both men seen together at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort earlier this month.

For those unversed, Musk has previously voiced support for providing Starlink access to Iranians during periods of unrest, including during the 2022 protests.