Commercial space technology is shaping the Iran war – the law can’t keep up

March 11, 2026 - 10:36

The integration of commercial space technology into modern warfare, starkly visible in conflicts like the war in Iran, is rapidly creating a legal vacuum. Experts now warn that the development of a new, comprehensive treaty to govern military space operations is a distant prospect at best. This leaves a critical gap where norms are being set not by international agreement, but by the actions of private companies and national militaries on the ground.

High-resolution satellite imagery from private firms provides real-time intelligence, while commercial satellite communications are crucial for battlefield coordination. This unprecedented access, once the sole domain of superpower governments, is fundamentally altering the dynamics of the conflict. However, the laws of war, primarily the decades-old Outer Space Treaty, are ill-equipped to address these developments. The treaty lacks clear rules on militarization, targeting, or the responsibilities of private sector actors whose assets become dual-use tools of war.

Consequently, the boundaries of acceptable conduct are being tested in real-time. Nations are left to interpret existing frameworks loosely, while companies navigate uncharted ethical and legal territory. This regulatory lag creates significant risks, including the potential for escalation and the undermining of long-standing humanitarian principles. As the reliance on these technologies deepens, the urgent need for updated legal and diplomatic frameworks becomes ever more apparent to prevent the new frontier from becoming a lawless domain of warfare.