Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – US Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi praised Iraq’s decision on Tuesday to approve Starlink’s operating license, allowing it to deliver world-leading internet services to Iraqi citizens.
The two sides’ remarks took place during their meeting in Baghdad to discuss strategies aiming to enhance partnerships between the United States and Iraq, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
As the decision paves the way for Elon Musk’s satellite network to enter the Iraqi market, it also supports the country’s digital transformation.
Starlink is a satellite internet group managed by Starlink Services, LLC, an international telecommunications service and fully owned subsidiary of the US aerospace corporation SpaceX.
In May 2025, former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and a delegation from US-based Starlink discussed possible cooperation in the communication sector. Al-Sudani indicated at that time that Iraq offers several appealing investment prospects as the country grows rapidly and expands its service sectors.
Al-Sudani has already asked the relevant authorities to look at ways to make SpaceX operations easier and faster to complete.
As part of the Iraqi government’s digital transformation, al-Sudani pushed major technology companies, notably those located in the United States, to operate in Iraq and collaborate with the Iraqi private sector.