Iran announced on Friday that it successfully launched a satellite into orbit using its Simorgh rocket, a development Western officials argue advances Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities.
The launch took place at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan province, the hub of Iran’s civilian space program.
According to Iranian state media, the Simorgh rocket delivered an “orbital propulsion system” and two research devices to a 250-mile orbit above Earth.
This system, which allows Iran to adjust a satellite’s orbit, is seen as a significant step toward achieving geosynchronous satellite positioning, where satellites are placed in orbital periods that match the Earth’s rotation—a long-standing goal for Tehran in achieving its space ambitions.
Iranian Defense Ministry via AP
US Concern over Iran’s Space Activities
Iran claimed the payload was heavier than in prior successful launches, at approximately 660 pounds.
However, no independent verification of the launch’s success has been confirmed, and the U.S. military has not commented on the step forward by Iran.
This development coincides with heightened regional tensions, driven by Israel’s ongoing conflict with in Gaza and a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon.
The United States has previously criticized Iran’s satellite launches, stating they violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. These resolutions, which expired in October 2023, urged Tehran to refrain from activities involving ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
“Iran’s work on space-launch vehicles—including its Simorgh—probably would shorten the timeline to produce an intercontinental ballistic missile, if it decided to develop one, because the systems use similar technologies,” a July report by the U.S. intelligence community stated.
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Pezeshkian Signals Interest in Sanctions Relief
Iran’s space program—first introduced with the assistance of Russia in the 1990s—had slowed under former President Hassan Rouhani, who sought to avoid exacerbating tensions with the West.
The late President Ebrahim Raisi accelerated these efforts until his death via a helicopter crash in May.
His successor, President Masoud Pezeshkian, has signaled a willingness to negotiate sanctions relief with Western powers, but has not clarified his administration’s strategy regarding space exploration.
He said Iran-Russia relations are growing “stronger day by day” following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.
This launch marks the first under Pezeshkian’s civilian space program, separate from the military space efforts led by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which also conducted a successful satellite launch in September.
Regionally, Iran’s missile program has been a source of tension.
Neighboring countries, particularly Israel, view Iran’s advancements as direct threats to their national security.
This perception has led to preemptive actions, such as the Israeli airstrikes in October targeting Iran’s missile production facilities and air defenses, which reportedly caused significant damage to Iran’s solid-fueled missile production capabilities.
JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images
Iran Denies Military Intentions for Its Programs
The U.N. and Western powers remain concerned about the potential military implications of Iran’s advancements.
The technology used in space launch vehicles—including Iran’s Simorgh rocket—is similar to that required for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Both rely on advanced propulsion, guidance, and reentry systems.
Since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran has enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned that Tehran possesses enough material for several nuclear weapons, should it decide to produce them. Iran continues to test its relationship with the IAEA by restricting access to their inspectors.
Despite this, Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear arms, asserting that its space and nuclear programs serve peaceful purposes.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
