Trump Administration Secretly Smuggles Starlink Terminals into Iran
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Source: Benzinga
- Covert Operation: The Trump administration secretly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran following the regime's crackdown on protesters, marking a significant escalation in U.S. support for anti-regime activists.
- Funding Redirection: The State Department redirected funds from other Iran internet freedom programs to acquire SpaceX devices after purchasing nearly 7,000 terminals, indicating a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards supporting dissent in Iran.
- Legal Risks and Usage: Possession of a Starlink terminal is illegal in Iran and punishable by years in prison; however, tens of thousands of Iranians are using these devices to bypass government censorship, highlighting a strong demand for information freedom among the populace.
- Rising Geopolitical Risks: As the U.S. engages in high-stakes nuclear negotiations with Iran, market predictions indicate a 44% chance of a U.S. strike on Iran by June, suggesting that defense contractors may benefit from the escalating tensions and the integration of commercial technology into national security operations.
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Analyst Views on LMT
Wall Street analysts forecast LMT stock price to fall
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 637.430
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
Current: 637.430
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
About LMT
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global aerospace and defense company. The Company is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Its segments include Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) and Space. Aeronautics segment is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, sustainment, support and upgrade of advanced military aircraft. MFC segment provides air and missile defense systems, manned and unmanned ground vehicles, energy management solutions, and others. RMS segment designs, manufactures, services and supports various military and commercial helicopters, surface ships, sea and land-based missile defense systems, and others. Its Space segment is engaged in the research and design, development, engineering and production of satellites, space transportation systems, and strategic, advanced strike, and defensive systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Funding Redirection: The State Department redirected funds from other Iran internet freedom programs to acquire SpaceX devices after purchasing nearly 7,000 terminals, indicating a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards supporting dissent in Iran.
- Legal Risks and Usage: Possession of a Starlink terminal is illegal in Iran and punishable by years in prison; however, tens of thousands of Iranians are using these devices to bypass government censorship, highlighting a strong demand for information freedom among the populace.
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- Successful Flight Test: The company completed a successful 112-kilometer flight test of its Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) in New Mexico, demonstrating a range of 150 kilometers and compatibility with existing rocket launch platforms, thereby enhancing operational flexibility.
- Strong Financial Performance: Lockheed Martin reported a 9% year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter revenue to $20.3 billion, surpassing market expectations, although net earnings fell short due to significant losses tied to classified programs, indicating robust demand in the defense sector.
- Future Growth Outlook: The company projects approximately 5% sales growth and a 25% increase in operating profit for 2026, reflecting an optimistic outlook on future market demand, despite retail investor sentiment remaining cautious.
See More
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- Total Defense Contracts: In January 2026, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted 11 arms deals to Congress, totaling $22.5 billion, indicating a robust growth in defense investments that could drive stock prices of involved companies higher.
- Lockheed Martin's Gains: Among these deals, Lockheed Martin secured a $9 billion contract for 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles from Saudi Arabia, making it the largest beneficiary and further solidifying its leadership position in the global defense market.
- Boeing's Contract: Boeing won a $2.3 billion contract in Singapore for four P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft and their weapon systems, although RTX will not gain additional revenue, Boeing's defense division is expected to improve its financial performance.
- Israel's Order: Israel placed a $3.8 billion order for 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment from Boeing and Lockheed Martin, reflecting Israel's ongoing demand for advanced military equipment and further driving growth for both companies in the international market.
See More
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- Major Contract Beneficiary: Lockheed Martin secured a $9 billion contract for 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles and related equipment for Saudi Arabia on January 30, underscoring its dominant position in the international defense market and expected to significantly enhance the company's revenue and profits.
- Boeing's Contract: Boeing won a $2.3 billion contract on January 20 for Singapore's purchase of four P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, which, despite its defense division still being unprofitable, will provide crucial cash flow that may improve its financial standing.
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- Covert Operation: The Trump administration secretly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran following the regime's crackdown on protesters, marking a significant escalation in U.S. support for anti-regime activists.
- Funding Redirection: The State Department redirected funds from other Iran internet freedom programs to acquire SpaceX devices after purchasing nearly 7,000 terminals, indicating a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards supporting dissent in Iran.
- Legal Risks and Usage: Possession of a Starlink terminal is illegal in Iran and punishable by years in prison; however, tens of thousands of Iranians are using these devices to bypass government censorship, highlighting a strong demand for information freedom among the populace.
- Rising Geopolitical Risks: As the U.S. engages in high-stakes nuclear negotiations with Iran, market predictions indicate a 44% chance of a U.S. strike on Iran by June, suggesting that defense contractors may benefit from the escalating tensions and the integration of commercial technology into national security operations.
See More
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- Launch History Overview: Since its debut in January 2024, Vulcan has completed four flights, yet its rollout has been hampered by technical challenges and schedule delays, particularly highlighted by a small explosion of a side-mounted booster during its second mission in October 2024.
- Leadership Changes: Interim CEO John Elbon took over after longtime CEO Tory Bruno departed in December, and he stated that previous issues have been addressed, asserting that the rocket is ready for regular service.
- Expansion Plans: ULA is building additional facilities and launch pads at Kennedy Space Center to increase flight cadence, facing pressure from competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, while needing to secure its market share.
See More
