Satellite firm Planet Labs to indefinitely withhold Iran war images

Planet Labs will indefinitely withhold imagery over Iran and the surrounding conflict zone after a request from the U.S. government, according to Reuters reporting published Saturday.

The move marks a sharp escalation from earlier limits on access to imagery from the region. Reuters and other outlets previously reported that Planet had imposed a 96-hour delay on some Middle East imagery, then extended that to a two-week delay. The new policy goes further by removing the images from publication indefinitely.

The company said the withholding applies retroactively to imagery dating back to March 9, 2026, Reuters reported.

Planet’s public terms of use say the company may be required to cease or limit imagery collection or distribution in certain areas, including sanctioned jurisdictions such as Iran.

The latest move comes as commercial satellite imagery has become an important source of independent information about military activity and damage assessment during the Iran conflict. The policy change limits public access to that material at a time when demand for recent imagery remains high.