Iran: Iran launches its satellite as regional tension increases: Intercontinental ballistic missiles can be used to deliver nuclear weapons. Iran is now producing uranium near weapons-grade levels after the collapse of the nuclear deal with world powers. Iran has successfully launched a satellite into its highest orbit ever. United Nations sanctions related to Iran's ballistic missile program expired last October.
Iran has successfully launched a satellite into its highest orbit ever. This information came to light just a few days after the tit-for-tat air attack between Iran and Pakistan.
The Soraya satellite was launched into an orbit about 750 kilometers (460 miles) above the Earth's surface with its three-stage Qum 100 rocket, Telecommunications Minister Isa Jarepour told the local state-run IRNA news agency.
The launch was part of Iran's civilian space program as well as the space program of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the report said. The United States has previously said Iran's satellite launches violate UN Security Council resolutions and has asked Tehran not to take any activity involving ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
United Nations sanctions related to Iran's ballistic missile program expired last October. The US intelligence community's 2023 Worldwide Threat Assessment states that the development of satellite launch vehicles shortens the timeline for Iran to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles, as it uses similar technology.
Intercontinental ballistic missiles can be used to deliver nuclear weapons. Iran is now producing uranium near weapons-grade levels after the collapse of the nuclear deal with world powers.
Over the past decade, Iran has sent several short-lived satellites into orbit and in 2013 sent a monkey into space. In December, Iran sent a capsule capable of carrying animals into orbit as it prepares for manned missions in the coming years.