Iran recently sent two domestically produced satellites to Russia to be launched into orbit on a Russian spacecraft.
Potential Military Use
This move marks a new step in space cooperation between the two countries, both of which are under U.S. sanctions.
The collaboration, which involves the Kowsar satellite (a high-resolution imaging satellite) and Hodhod (a small communication satellite), has raised concerns among American and European officials due to the potential military use of these satellites, according to Ziare.
The Kowsar satellite could have civilian applications such as agriculture, resource management, and disaster monitoring. However, it may also be used to track military targets, particularly in the Middle East.
Hodhod, designed to provide satellite communication in remote areas, could also be leveraged for military purposes, which is a concern for Western nations.
Enhancing Collaborations
American and European officials suspect that these satellites may support Russian military operations in Ukraine or help Iran monitor potential targets in Israel. Despite these suspicions, Iran claims the satellites are intended solely for peaceful and civilian purposes.
The satellite launches are part of a broader strengthening of ties between Moscow and Tehran, two nations united by a shared opposition to Western influence.
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian held talks aimed at enhancing their economic and cultural partnerships. Iran has shown particular interest in deepening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and petrochemical sectors.
This growing alliance has also caught the attention of the United States, which has accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine—a claim Iran has consistently denied.
During a recent visit to Turkmenistan, both countries discussed formalizing a strategic partnership, with further talks expected at the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan in late October.
