Iran Warns of Security Threats from Unregulated LEO Satellites

In a statement to the UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting on “Risks and Challenges Emanating from Uncontrolled Use of Low Earth Orbit Satellites,” held in New York on December 29, Iran’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Gholamhossein Darzi, highlighted the growing threats posed by unregulated LEO satellite systems, particularly their use in military operations, interference in sovereign affairs, and the weakening of international regulatory norms.

Full Statement:

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Mr. Chair,
Distinguished Colleagues,

I thank the Russian Federation for convening this Arria-Formula meeting on the risks and challenges arising from the uncontrolled use of Low Earth Orbit satellites, an issue directly affecting international peace and security. I also thank the distinguished panelist for their insightful presentations.

The rapid expansion of LEO satellite systems, including large-scale constellations, has fundamentally changed the strategic landscape of outer space. Enabled by low-cost production, reusable launch capabilities, inter-satellite links, and portable user terminals, these systems offer global coverage, resilience, and low-latency connectivity.

However, left unchecked, these same characteristics can become sources of instability, insecurity, and interference in the affairs of other countries. Unregulated LEO satellites blur the line between civilian and military applications, undermine state sovereignty, and create legal and accountability gaps that are increasingly exploited.

Mr. Chair,

A clear example of these risks occurred during unlawful military aggression, such as the 12-day attack by the Israeli regime on Iran. During the aggression, commercial satellite internet and communication services were used to support offensive military platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, intelligence, and targeting systems.

This is not neutral technology use; it is the uncontrolled and unauthorized operation of a commercial LEO satellite system within the territory of a sovereign state. Such use enables precision attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, constituting serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Mr. Chair,

Satellite internet systems are increasingly relevant to discussions on security, stability, and emerging technologies. While they offer important civilian benefits, they must remain subject to international law. The risks are heightened when international regulatory frameworks are violated. Without effective oversight, LEO satellites can become force multipliers in conflict and instruments of aggression.

According to international telecommunications law, providing telecommunications services, including satellite internet, within a state’s territory requires that state’s authorization. Sovereignty over national telecommunications infrastructure is a core principle of the international regulatory framework and essential to preventing technical interference and regulatory disorder.

Under the International Telecommunication Union’s Radio Regulations, satellite operators are prohibited from providing communication services within a state without authorization. Article 18 requires transmitting stations to be licensed by the competent national authority, and this applies equally to satellite user terminals. Resolution 22 of the World Radiocommunication Conference further addresses unauthorized transmissions and underscores the responsibility of administrations and operators to ensure satellite systems are used only by authorized earth stations.

Mr. Chair,

Allow me to share Iran’s experience addressing unauthorized satellite internet services through established multilateral mechanisms.

The Starlink system has repeatedly provided unauthorized services in Iran. Beginning in 2023, Iran formally raised the issue with the ITU Radio Regulations Board, submitting technical evidence of Starlink terminals operating within Iranian territory without authorization. The Board confirmed the applicability of Article 18 and Resolution 22 and issued multiple decisions in Iran’s favor, instructing the operator and the notifying administration to cease unauthorized services.

Despite these binding decisions, unauthorized transmissions continue, reflecting not technical limitations but a lack of political will and a blatant violation of international law. Iran also engaged the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council President, the ITU, and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, and raised the issue in multilateral forums including COPUOS, the Conference on Disarmament, and the UN First Committee.

In conclusion, Mr. Chair, international law does not allow states to outsource responsibility to commercial actors. When states fail to exercise due diligence over satellite systems under their jurisdiction, they bear responsibility by omission as well as commission.

Iran’s experience shows that satellite internet services do not operate in a legal vacuum. Uncontrolled LEO satellites risk turning outer space into a domain of confrontation, eroding trust among states, and undermining international law and multilateral regulatory frameworks.

We share this experience in the hope it will contribute constructively to ongoing discussions on this critical issue.

Thank you.