War in space, following conflict on Earth! The US and Iran have targeted each other’s space systems.

New Delhi. The United States (US) and Iran have attempted to damage each other’s space systems during periods of conflict. A claim circulating on social media cites a report by the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), suggesting that both nations took steps to weaken each other’s space-based military capabilities and disrupt military operations. However, this specific claim has not been independently verified, and the relevant portion of the report has not been made public.

This matter is significant because, today, satellites are used for far more than just telecommunications, television, or weather forecasting. Militaries rely on them to monitor enemy activity, maintain communication between troops, and determine precise locations. Consequently, any disruption to satellites or their associated systems could severely impact military operations.

According to this claim, the US and Iran took action to undermine each other’s space systems during the conflict. However, it remains unclear which specific satellites or systems were targeted, or what technology was employed to do so.

An analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) dated October 14, 2026, details damage sustained by two of Iran’s space launch centers: the Imam Khomeini Space Center and the Shahroud Space Center. Satellite imagery revealed damage at these locations, which was linked to strikes by the US and Israel. Nevertheless, this does not confirm that the US and Iran also engaged in covert attacks against each other’s space systems.

Why are satellites essential for the military?
Satellites enable military forces to monitor the activities of adversaries from a great distance. The images obtained from these sources can provide information about military bases and other critical locations. Satellites also assist in maintaining communication between soldiers and military equipment.

Furthermore, navigation systems rely on satellites, enabling aircraft and other military assets to determine their location and direction. Any disruption to satellite signals can make it difficult for the military to carry out certain operations.

How can space systems be attacked?
A nation’s space systems can be compromised in various ways, including by jamming satellite signals, disrupting communication networks, or targeting the ground-based facilities used to control satellites.

Satellite-linked systems can also be affected by cyberattacks. While these are common methods for conducting such attacks, it remains unknown which specific approach—if any—was employed in the case involving the United States and Iran.

Why is military competition in space intensifying?
Today, many nations rely on satellites for their military operations, utilizing them for surveillance, communication, and navigation. Consequently, the security of satellites and their associated infrastructure has become essential. Damage to space-based systems could impair a military’s ability to gather intelligence and maintain internal communication. For this reason, many countries are focusing on safeguarding their space technologies.

Claims that the United States and Iran have covertly targeted each other’s space systems have not yet been independently verified. It is also unclear which specific systems were allegedly targeted.

Therefore, for the time being, this should be viewed merely as an allegation. Only after relevant reports and concrete evidence emerge will it become clear whether both nations actually took such actions to undermine each other’s space-based military capabilities.