US requests satellite imagery providers to withhold photos of Iran conflict zone

WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – The United States has officially asked satellite imagery providers to indefinitely delay distributing photos from the Iran conflict zone, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, as the U.S.-Israeli war enters its sixth week.

Planet Labs said it is moving to a managed access model for its satellite images of the region, sharing them on a case-by-case basis “for urgent, mission critical requirements or in the public interest.”

A company spokesperson said the revised policy will remain in effect until the war ends. The company had already reduced the speed at which it shared imagery from the area, citing concerns that the data could be exploited by U.S. adversaries.

Vantor, a satellite firm that collaborates with U.S. national security agencies, has also introduced stricter controls on image access during the conflict, citing the high resolution of its photographs.

U.S. national security agencies are among the largest customers for commercial satellite imagery, giving the government considerable leverage over how satellite companies operate.