White House Orders Censorship of Iran War Satellite Images
Satellite firm Planet Labs halts Middle East imagery release following US government pressure, impacting independent conflict damage verification.
Satellite imaging company Planet Labs has indefinitely suspended publication of Middle East photographs following a direct request from the White House. The company informed customers it will implement an "indefinite withhold of imagery" captured from March 9 onward, lasting at least until the US-Iran conflict ends.
This imagery had been crucial for independent verification of damage on both sides of the conflict, widely used by journalists and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts. Monitored sites included Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, used by US forces, and Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport.
Previously, Planet Labs had already implemented delays in releasing regional imagery, first 96 hours then extended to 14 days, with the stated aim of limiting potential military use. Under the new system, the company indicated it might still release select images in cases deemed to serve public interest.
The move raises questions about whether other commercial satellite firms will implement similar restrictions as the conflict escalates with threats of large-scale attacks against Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliations against US allies in the region.
