GENEVA, Switzerland, Europe: Iran’s UN representative Ali Bahraini warned on August 20 that the US space buildup could trigger counter-capabilities and intensify an arms race in outer space.
Speaking at the Conference on Disarmament, Bahraini said Washington’s pursuit of military superiority threatened efforts to keep space peaceful.
He cited dedicated military space forces, offensive capabilities and the designation of outer space as a war-fighting domain.
Bahraini said such policies could prompt other states to develop corresponding capabilities, creating a cycle of military competition.
The Iranian envoy also called for protection of civilian and scientific ground infrastructure linked to peaceful space activities.
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He accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iranian space-related civilian and scientific facilities during the recent conflict. The supplied statement does not independently verify that allegation.
Bahraini also warned against using commercial satellites and satellite internet systems for hostile military purposes. He urged countries to begin negotiations on a legally binding treaty to prevent an arms race in outer space.
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Iran said a Russia-China draft treaty first introduced in 2008 and updated in 2014 could provide a basis for negotiations.
Bahraini opened his remarks by congratulating Pakistan on assuming the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament and welcomed Ambassador Tahir Andrabi to Geneva
