ISLAMABAD: Satellite imaging firm Planet Labs said it will indefinitely withhold images of Iran and the wider Middle East conflict zone following a request from the United States government, citing security concerns.
The California-based company said in an email to customers that Washington had asked satellite imagery providers to restrict visuals of the region as the war continues to escalate.
The move expands on a 14-day delay already imposed last month.
“Planet Labs will indefinitely withhold imagery of the conflict region,” the company said, adding the policy applies to images dating back to March 9.
The decision comes amid a widening conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region, including against Israeli territory and US-linked sites in Gulf states.
Satellite imagery plays a critical role in modern warfare, including target identification, missile tracking and operational planning, raising concerns that publicly available data could be exploited.
Planet Labs said the restrictions are aimed at preventing misuse of such data.
The company added it would shift to a “managed distribution of images,” releasing visuals only on a case-by-case basis for urgent or public interest needs.
“These are extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing all we can to balance the needs of all our stakeholders,” the firm said.
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