Iran announced on Sunday the successful launch of three satellites into space using its Simorgh rocket, a project previously marred by multiple failures. This development comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly over Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The launch, conducted at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province, was broadcast on Iranian state television, showcasing the nighttime ascent of the Simorgh, or “Phoenix,” rocket. This milestone follows a series of unsuccessful attempts, evidenced by five failed launches before the latest launch. The rocket, emblazoned with the slogan “We Can” in Farsi, represents a defiant message from Tehran.
Iran’s Information and Communications Technology Minister, Isa Zarepour, confirmed the successful operation, stating that the Mahda satellite had already transmitted signals back to Earth. The other two satellites, Kayhan-2 and Hatef-1, are focused on global positioning and communication, respectively. However, this technological advancement raises significant concerns among Western nations, particularly regarding the dual-use nature of such technology.
Iran said it successfully launched three satellites into space with a rocket that had multiple failures in the past, the latest for a program that the West says improves Tehran's ballistic missiles. https://t.co/gQ6qLAdB7N https://t.co/sUXAJVb9Mq
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In its 2023 worldwide threat assessment, the U.S. intelligence community highlighted the concerning aspect of Iran’s space program. The development of satellite launch vehicles, such as the Simorgh, potentially shortens the timeline for Iran to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles, given the similarity in technology. This assessment aligns with the longstanding Western view that Tehran’s space endeavors could bolster its ballistic missile capabilities, a point of contention in the already strained U.S.-Iran relations.
The international response to Iran’s space activities has been one of caution and criticism. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have collectively condemned Iran’s actions, citing the potential for these technologies to aid in the development of long-range ballistic missiles. Their statement underscores the fears over Iran’s ballistic missile technologies, which could potentially deliver nuclear weapons.
These developments occur in a broader context of regional instability and geopolitical maneuvering. Iran, while not directly involved in the military aspect of the Israel-Hamas conflict, faces internal pressures for action. This is compounded by the proxy war dynamics in the region, with groups like Yemen’s Houthi rebels conducting attacks linked to the broader conflict. The situation is further complicated by Iran’s rapidly expanding nuclear program, which, despite assurances from Tehran, continues to raise alarms about its potential military dimensions.
The U.S. and other Western nations remain vigilant, monitoring Iran’s actions closely. As of the latest reports, the U.S. military and the State Department have not commented on this specific launch. However, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard quietly acknowledged a successful satellite launch on January 20.
Once slowed down under the relatively moderate former President Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s space program has gained momentum under the hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi, a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has pushed forward with the program, even as Iran enriches uranium closer to weapons-grade levels.
