Statement by Representative of Iran before 3rd Session of the OEWG on PAROS in all its Aspects - Item 6 (b)(ii)(4)
Elements on basic obligations related to the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space
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Statement
by
Mr. Reza Moltajaee Farid
Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran
before
Third Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on PAROS in all its Aspects
under
Item 6 (b)(ii)(4): elements on basic obligations related to the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space
Geneva, July 8, 2026
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بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Mr. Chair,
The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently supported the preservation of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes. In this regard, we consider the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space to be an essential component of any effective approach to preventing an arms race in outer space and a core element of any future legally binding instrument in this field.
Outer space must be preserved exclusively for peaceful purposes. The placement of weapons and offensive military capabilities in outer space, including capabilities designed for space-to-space or space-to-Earth operations, would undermine international peace and security, increase the risk of military confrontation, and threaten the equal and non-discriminatory right of all States to explore and use outer space for peaceful purposes.
In our view, such developments carry at least three serious risks: first, the pursuit of military superiority in outer space by some States; second, the further expansion and deepening of the militarization of Earth orbit, including through the military use of commercial satellites and space systems, such as Starlink, as referred to in my delegation’s previous statement; and third, and most concerning, actions that may accelerate the weaponization of outer space through the development of capabilities enabling space-to-space engagements and strikes against terrestrial targets from orbit.
We are therefore deeply concerned by the increasing development of military space programmes and capabilities, including initiatives such as the so-called “Golden Dome” and other similar programmes, the establishment of dedicated military space forces, the treatment of outer space as a war-fighting domain, and the pursuit of unilateral military superiority and absolute security advantage in outer space. Such policies and developments affect the security perceptions and calculations of other States and may encourage further military programmes and counter-capabilities, thereby intensifying the risk of an arms race in outer space.
Mr. Chair,
In our view, different categories of threats involving outer space are closely interconnected and should not be considered in isolation. The placement of weapons and offensive military capabilities in outer space, particularly those capable of space-to-earth operations, can increase tensions and contribute to dangerous cycles of military competition and confrontation. Preventing the placement of weapons in outer space and the spread of space-to-earth and space-to-space threats would help remove the conditions that give rise to earth-to-space threats, thereby breaking the cycle of threats and counter-threats and reducing the risk of an arms race in outer space.
For this reason, the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that a future legally binding instrument should, inter alia, prohibit the placement of weapons in outer space, prevent the threat or use of force from outer space against any State, prevent the use of space-based capabilities for hostile and offensive military purposes, and establish clear rights and obligations applicable equally to all States.
Such an instrument should contribute to preserving outer space for peaceful purposes and ensuring the right of all States to access, explore and use outer space on an equal and non-discriminatory basis. In this regard, we believe that the draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and of the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects, introduced by the Russian Federation and China at the Conference on Disarmament in 2008 and updated in 2014, can serve as a basis for negotiations towards such an instrument.
Mr. Chair,
Allow me also to share my delegation’s views on the previous item concerning operational and technological measures of self-restraint intended to prevent adverse developments in outer space.
In our view, non-legally binding measures may, in some cases, complement a comprehensive legally binding instrument. This, however, does not mean that every measure proposed under the concept of self-restraint necessarily contributes to that objective.
My delegation is concerned about approaches that selectively focus on particular technologies or capabilities while leaving aside the wider policies, doctrines and military developments that are driving the weaponization of outer space and increasing the risk of military confrontation. Operational and technological self-restraint should not be reduced to isolated measures concerning only one particular technology, capability or type of activity.
A selective approach may also preserve existing military and technological advantages. Some States calling for particular restraint measures have already developed and tested the same capabilities that they now ask others to limit. Self-restraint measures should not be used to maintain existing advantages or strengthen technological monopolies. Any such measures should be considered in a comprehensive, balanced and non-discriminatory manner, taking into account the security concerns and interests of all States.
In conclusion, the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the prevention of an arms race in outer space requires comprehensive, legally binding and non-discriminatory obligations. Such obligations are essential to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space, break dangerous cycles of action and reaction, and ensure that outer space remains a peaceful domain accessible to all States for exploration and use on an equal and non-discriminatory basis.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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