Strengthen sanctions to halt Iran’s increasing military presence in space

In mid-February, the chair of the House Intelligence Committee alleged the existence of a “serious national security threat” — a Russian effort to deploy a nuclear anti-satellite weapon in space. The episode drew attention to an often overlooked, but crucial domain of U.S. national security — space.

As a top Pentagon official noted recently, “our competitors know … how much the American way of life and the American ways of war depend on space power.” And it is not just Russia; Iran, too, is increasing its space-based capabilities to threaten the United States.

Iran has claimed a string of achievements in space in recent months. In February, Russia reportedly assisted Iran with launching a satellite into space from a Russian site. Iran claimed in September that it successfully used a space launch vehicle, or SLV, to place a military satellite in space. Iranian officials then asserted in January that it put multiple satellites into orbit in a single launch for the first time.

Iran’s recent SLV launches, and its purported ability to put multiple satellites into space, are troubling for four main reasons. Firstly, SLVs could provide Iran with a rapid route to an intercontinental ballistic missile. Iran would need to master the intermediate step of fitting a heatshield onto a missile warhead to enable atmospheric reentry.

Second, Iran’s reported use of a solid-fuel propellant to launch its SLVs is concerning, as this would make detection of imminent missile launches more challenging.

Third, Iran’s satellite program could enhance its ability to facilitate proxy attacks against U.S. allies and interests.

Finally, Iran could use its satellites to interfere with U.S. or allied military assets. The United States must put Iran on notice for its problematic space activities.

To boost deterrence, the United States should work closely with Middle East partners active in space, like Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.