Trending Now - Mixed Outcomes as Nations Navigate Digital Warfare in Iran

WHO:

NPR - Jake Godin, senior researcher at Bellingcat, involved in verifying events in war zones.

NPR - Susan Carruthers, historian at the University of Warwick, author of "The Media at War."

NPR - Ali Vaez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group.

NPR - Marc Owens Jones, associate professor of media analytics at Northwestern University in Qatar.

NPR - Jim Krane, research fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute.

NPR - Planet Labs and Vantor, satellite imagery providers.

WHAT:

NPR - Planet Labs announced it would no longer provide recent images of the entire Middle East.

NPR - Planet imposed a two-week delay in imagery shared with journalists and the public.

NPR - The U.S. government requested satellite imagery providers to withhold imagery in the designated Area of Interest indefinitely.

NPR - Over 300 people were arrested in Qatar for filming videos and spreading "misleading" information.

NPR - Police in Abu Dhabi reported 375 arrests for taking unauthorized pictures and spreading false information.

NPR - Planet operates a fleet of around 150 satellites that photograph most of Earth's landmasses daily.

WHERE:

NPR - The conflict is occurring in Iran and the surrounding Middle East region.

NPR - Gulf states, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are involved in the censorship efforts.

WHEN:

NPR - The full internet blackout in Iran began with civil protests at the beginning of 2026.

NPR - The U.S. government requested the withholding of imagery shortly after the start of the war in Iran in 2026.

NPR - Planet announced a 14-day hold on imagery on March 3rd, 2026.

WHY:

NPR - Governments are attempting to control the narrative of the war to manage public perception and maintain national security.

NPR - The censorship is also motivated by economic concerns, particularly in Gulf states wanting to maintain their image as safe places for investment.

HOW:

NPR - The U.S. government requested satellite imagery providers to voluntarily implement an indefinite withholding of imagery.

NPR - Censorship efforts include arrests and detentions for individuals posting videos of military actions on social media.

NPR - Bellingcat developed an online tool using radar data from an old satellite to assess damage from strikes in the region.

(UPDATED April 10, 2026 13:30 UTC)

Planet Labs has announced it will no longer provide recent satellite images of the Middle East, imposing a two-week delay on imagery shared with journalists and the public, following a request from the U.S. government to withhold such images indefinitely. This comes amid significant censorship efforts in the region, with over 300 arrests in Qatar and 375 in Abu Dhabi for spreading what authorities deem misleading information, particularly related to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Experts, including researchers from Bellingcat and historians from the University of Warwick, are closely monitoring these developments as governments seek to control the narrative of the war to manage public perception and economic stability.