—The message on one celebrity’s new bookmark, which appears to have sold out within 10 minutes. Better than the peanut butter pretzel bag hack, at least.
International
Is This What "Electronic Warfare" Looks Like?
What’s going on: For the past two weeks, Iran has been rocked by unprecedented protests — the greatest challenge to the government in years. Thousands of people have flooded the streets over a failing economy and government corruption. Human rights activists estimate security forces have killed more than 2,500 Iranians while trying to quell the unrest. State-run media confirmed deaths, but has not released a toll. There’s no way to really know the full story because Tehran has imposed a nationwide internet blackout for at least five days — hitting the kill switch on Elon Musk’s Starlink for the first time. Iranians rely on the satellite connection to communicate with the rest of the world, organize protests, and avoid government censorship (which is common). Multiple reports say SpaceX is now offering Starlink for free inside Iran, but access remains dangerous and rare: owning a terminal is illegal, the military is jamming signals, and users risk arrest (or worse) if caught.
Tell me more: The outside world is piecing together the story through fragments: brief phone calls that suddenly connect and grainy footage. The New York Times verified a video posted online Tuesday that shows security forces firing on protesters in eastern Tehran. The Times also reviewed videos shared on social media Monday in which gunfire rings out, and crowds shout: “Death to the dictator!” Experts told The Wall Street Journal thatIran’s response to the protests amounts to “electronic warfare.” The situation also threatens to pull in the US, as President Donald Trump weighs his options. On the table: a potential cyberattack or strike on Iran. In the meantime, Trump has urged Iranians to keep protesting and promised that “help is on its way.” He also warned that the US will take “very strong action” against Iran if any protesters are executed. Still, even if the US intervenes, experts say we shouldn’t expect a regime change anytime soon.
