Tehran:Iran's space industry is positioned to become a strategic gateway to future energy and mineral resources, with potential implications for global challenges and quality of life improvements, according to the head of Iran's Space Agency.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Hassan Salarieh emphasized that the space sector is a strategic priority for Iran. Alongside other advanced fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, it is expected to play a crucial role in managing energy and mineral resources, as well as enhancing productivity.

Salarieh noted that global forecasts anticipate significant growth in space capabilities after 2026, with nations entering fierce competition to develop and access these technologies. He compared the strategic importance of accessing space resources to the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy markets.

He highlighted that countries able to exploit these space resources would gain considerable influence in global affairs. With increasing constraints on energy and material resources, the space sector is identified as a vital area for addressing these challenges, and Iranian specialists are actively working to advance the country's capabilities in this field.