WASHINGTON, November 5, 2026 (Ghufran): Iran is emerging as a space power with the potential to challenge US military operations in the Middle East, despite American strikes on key Iranian space-related facilities, according to a new report by the Pentagon’s Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report stated that Iran had taken offensive action against US space capabilities during Operation Epic Fury, employing land-based jamming systems capable of disrupting satellite-based GPS signals. It noted that Tehran was expanding both its military and civilian space programmes to strengthen its defence capabilities, support economic development and enhance national prestige. Brigadier General Todd Benson, commander of Space Forces Central, recently observed that space had become increasingly accessible and affordable. According to space data compiled by the American Enterprise Institute, Iran operates around a dozen satellites, while the United States maintains a fleet more than 1,000 times larger. The report also highlighted that Iran had reportedly received satellite assistance from China and Russia to improve its intelligence gathering and targeting capabilities. Despite Washington’s claims of having established space superiority over Iran, some US defence experts have questioned the assessment. Aerospace expert Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute said that if Iran could degrade American space capabilities, claims of US superiority would be difficult to sustain. The DIA further noted that Iran was working to strengthen the resistance of its guidance and navigation systems against electronic attacks.