Tensions in the Middle East have increased in recent months due to the war between Israel and Hamas. Although Iran has not intervened militarily in the conflict, there is still fear of an expansion of the conflict. Western countries are still concerned about Iran’s expanding nuclear program, the Associated Press reports.
According to Iranian state television, a research satellite, which is said to have already sent signals to Earth, and two nanosatellites focused on global positioning and communications have been launched.
The footage showed the missile launched Sunday bearing the words “We Can” in Farsi, a possible reference to previous malfunctions of the missile. The liquid-fueled Simorgh rocket has had five failed launches, causing explosions and fires.
The US intelligence community’s 2023 Global Threat Assessment says the development of satellite launch vehicles will “shorten” Iran’s time to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile because it uses similar technology.
The United States says Iranian satellite launches violate a United Nations Security Council resolution. They called on Tehran not to pursue nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. United Nations sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile program expired last October.
France, Germany and the United Kingdom on Friday condemned Iran’s January 20 satellite launch. “We have long-standing concerns regarding Iran’s activities related to ballistic missile technologies capable of delivering nuclear weapons,” the countries said. “These concerns are reinforced by Iran’s continued nuclear escalation, which has no credible justification,” they added.
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2024-01-28 14:43:39
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