With Russia’s help, the Islamic Republic is building its ability to launch satellites, rockets and, the US fears, ballistic missiles.
Iran’s southeastern port city of Chabahar, known for its scenic beaches and “Martian mountains,” is set to become the centerpiece of the country’s space ambitions. A major spaceport project, likened to Florida’s Cape Canaveral, is expected to open this year, transforming Chabahar into a hub for satellite launches.
The Iranian government has pressed forward with its space program despite U.S. sanctions imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency, targeting both the Iranian Space Agency and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran now boasts one of the most advanced space programs in the region, with both military and civilian satellites launched into orbit.
New projects include a 20-satellite network named after Qassem Soleimani, the general killed in a 2020 U.S. airstrike. The West remains concerned about the dual-use nature of space technologies. “What Russia definitely has is the expertise,” said Juliana Suess of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, referring to Iran’s growing ties with Moscow.
“Iran has a need now, especially after the losses of its proxy power to Israel, to reestablish some kind of pathway to do power projection,” said Matthew Schmidt, professor at the University of New Haven. Talks between Washington and Tehran continue.