INTERNATIONAL — April 5, 2026
Planet Labs to Indefinitely Withhold Satellite Imagery of Iran, Middle East
US-based Planet Labs has announced it will indefinitely restrict access to satellite imagery of Iran and other Middle East conflict areas at the request of the US government under President Donald Trump. The policy, retroactive from March 9, expands prior delays amid the US-Iran-Israel conflict that began on February 28.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Pajhwok — 2 min read
US-based satellite firm Planet Labs has announced it will indefinitely restrict access to imagery of Iran and other Middle East conflict areas following a request from the US government under President Donald Trump.
The policy was communicated via email to customers and expands on prior restrictions, including an initial 96-hour hold followed by a 14-day delay on Middle East imagery. It applies retroactively to images captured since March 9, amid the ongoing conflict.
The conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US assets and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf.
Planet Labs, which cited an Al Jazeera report, is shifting to managed distribution of imagery on a case-by-case basis until the end of the conflict.
Read the original reporting at Pajhwok →
Reliability assessment
Single source (Pajhwok) provides direct attribution to Planet Labs' customer email and cites Al Jazeera; concrete details include named President Trump, specific dates (Feb 28, March 9), and policy specifics; core event of announcement is verifiable via company statement.
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International — Planet Labs, Iran, Donald Trump, Middle East, US government
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