IDF officials: Israel strikes Iranian space research center used to create anti-satellite weapons

An Israeli airstrike destroyed a compound in Tehran that Iran was using to develop weapons to threaten Israeli satellites and the space assets of other countries, the Israel Defense Forces said Monday.

The facility was used to develop Iranian military space programs, including the Chamran-1 satellite, which was launched in September 2024 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IDF officials said.

“The dismantling of the compound adds to the strike carried out [Friday] against another space-related research compound belonging to the Iranian Space Organization in Tehran,” the IDF posted on Telegram.

The Islamic republic has invested “significant” resources in recent years to develop space warfare capabilities as part of its effort to expand its military capabilities and undermine regional and international stability, the IDF said.

“The IDF will continue to act to defend its capabilities across all domains — on the ground, the air, at sea, and in space,” the Israeli military said.

Israel relies heavily on its satellite network for real-time intelligence against adversaries. Knocking out Iran’s ability to blind the satellites is critical as the IDF continues striking key Iranian targets in the region.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.