Double blow for US army as Iran setbacks & Elon Musk’s bigger Starlink bill raise war costs?

Fresh reports claim Elon Musk dramatically increased Starlink-related charges to the Pentagon during and after U.S. military operations linked to Iran. According to reports, the U.S. military relied heavily on Starlink systems to support LUCAS kamikaze drones, which analysts allege were inspired by Iran’s Shahed-style drone warfare tactics. The controversy exploded after reports revealed SpaceX allegedly pushed Pentagon officials to raise monthly Starlink payments from nearly $5,000 to $25,000 during sensitive wartime negotiations. Defense officials reportedly resisted initially before eventually agreeing to the higher rates. Reuters described the dispute as part of growing tensions between SpaceX and the Pentagon over America’s increasing dependence on private battlefield technology providers. The story also reignited debate around Musk’s political relationship with Donald Trump. After months of public feuding, both figures reportedly repaired ties as criticism mounted over Washington’s costly Iran campaign and its lack of a decisive strategic victory. Analysts now warn billionaire tech executives are gaining unprecedented influence over U.S. military strategy, defense infrastructure, and wartime decision-making globally.