Concerns after satellite provider restricts Iran images following US pressure

Concerns after satellite provider restricts Iran images following US pressure

Following recent US requests, a prominent satellite imagery firm has imposed an indefinite ban on sharing visuals of Iran and much of the Middle East, prompting worry among media outlets and aid groups. This shift limits the ability of journalists, humanitarian organizations, and analysts to monitor the effects of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, including damage to military installations and civilian facilities.

Planet Labs, based in California, initially delayed new images from the region by 14 days in March. It has since escalated this to a complete restriction. The exact reason for the US’s intervention remains unclear, with the Department of Defense declining to comment. Planet explained its initial delay as a precaution to prevent adversarial use of imagery, targeting allied forces and civilians.

Now, the company employs a “managed distribution” system, releasing selected images on a case-by-case basis until security risks are deemed lower. While it did not specify the full scope of the restrictions, BBC Verify’s access to the platform suggests the limitation extends to Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza. A satellite expert noted that such decisions often reflect “voluntary compliance” influenced by commercial incentives rather than legal requirements.

Impact on humanitarian efforts

Humanitarian groups rely heavily on satellite imagery to track crises and deliver aid. Bill Greer, a geospatial analyst, highlighted how military contracts grant governments leverage over companies like Planet. “When your largest customer is also the regulating authority, the boundary between voluntary and mandatory actions blurs,” he remarked.

“When an entire region goes dark indefinitely, it directly affects [their] ability to plan evacuations, assess damage, document human rights abuses, and coordinate aid delivery,” Greer added.

Oxfam, for instance, used satellite data to plan its water, sanitation, and hygiene (Wash) operations in Gaza. Magnus Corfixen, the charity’s humanitarian lead, explained that without in-person access, imagery helped determine whether critical water systems were intact. “We couldn’t access these systems directly,” he said, “so we relied on satellite images to decide what equipment to send into the area.”

BBC Verify has previously used Planet’s imagery to report on Gaza, where media entry is restricted. While earlier delays were common, the current indefinite ban marks a significant escalation. The company’s alignment with defense sectors, including the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the US Navy, underscores its growing role in military operations, further raising questions about its editorial independence.