Space is becoming the next battlefield, Iranian UN envoy warns of arms race - report

Iranian UN envoy Ali Bahreini warned of an impending space arms race, expressing concern that the United States' military expansion into space could trigger a worldwide proliferation of space weapons. Bahreini's warning emerged as Iran continues to bolster its own space capabilities, as reported by the Jerusalem Post in July. The Iranian Space Agency, led by Hassan Salarieh, is developing space infrastructure, satellites, and satellite data services.

Salarieh announced plans to establish new space facilities and expand the country's satellite network in the coming months, including the Chabahar launch site and a domestically produced radar satellite.

Israel has also prioritized space as a strategic field, with the IDF Technology and Digital Chief, Brig.-Gen. Yael Grosman, emphasizing the need for advanced data and intelligence capabilities to maintain a competitive edge in future conflicts. Israel understands that it must develop robust space capabilities to support its growing data requirements, according to Grosman. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir's five-year plan highlights space as a priority, stating that Israel cannot ignore this aspect of modern warfare.

Moreover, Israel is reportedly working on developing space-based lasers with the potential to launch attacks from space, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. Katz stated that Israel is recruiting top minds to achieve this capability, which would provide a strategic advantage in deterring adversaries and attacking enemy satellites.

Israel's primary concern is the possibility of Iran or other adversaries gaining an advantage in the military space race, potentially targeting Israeli satellites and compromising the IDF's surveillance and monitoring capabilities.