On Sunday, Iranian officials reported that their country had successfully launched three satellites into orbit using a rocket that had previously failed on many occasions. Western officials have claimed that this action strengthens Tehran’s ballistic missile capability.
Although Iran maintains that the launch is a component of its non-military space program, American officials stated in a global threat assessment for 2023 that similar launches and the creation of related satellites “shortens the timeline” for Iran to create an intercontinental ballistic missile due to the similarities in technology.
In particular, the Simorgh rocket—which was utilized for satellite launches—is mentioned in that paper as a potential rocket with dual purposes.
In addition to a rocket explosion on the launchpad and deadly fires, the Simorgh, also known as “Phoenix,” is a satellite-carrying rocket that has been a victim of Iran’s civilian space program in recent years.
The European Union, France, and Germany denounced an Iranian satellite launch on January 20th, with Simorgh claiming that the launch could aid Iran in developing long-range ballistic missiles.
“We have longstanding concerns over Iran’s activity related to ballistic missile technologies that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons,” the nations stated. “These concerns are reinforced by Iran’s continued nuclear escalation beyond all credible civilian justification.“
Mahda, Kayhan-2, and Hatef-1 were the names of the three most recent satellites launched, according to Iranian state TV. The study stated that three satellites—the research satellite Mahda, the nanosatellite Kayhan, and the nanosatellite Hatef—are devoted to locating and communicating on a worldwide scale.
Each satellite will probably be placed into a low Earth orbit. According to Iran’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Mahda has already communicated with Earth.
The premiere takes place within the backdrop of persistent Middle Eastern tensions, as the Israeli-Hamas conflict has continued for three months and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people since the latter group surprised Israel on October 7, 2023.
Already concerning is the possibility that Iran would provide support to the Houthi rebels, adding fuel to the fire of worries that the fight may escalate into regional warfare. Another source of unhappiness is Iran’s rocket program.
Attacks against ships in the Red Sea have been carried out by Houthi rebels on multiple occasions, as part of their strategy to disrupt the commercial marine business in the region.
The Iranian government has stayed out of the fighting on its own, but it has supported the Houthi rebels, who have been active throughout the region and attacked American-backed soldiers, bases, and allies on multiple occasions since November.
Three American servicemen were killed and twenty-five others injured in a drone attack on Sunday. The three Americans were the first American losses due to firefights in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. The U.S. military base along the Jordanian border with Syria was attacked, according to Iraqi militants backed by Iran.
As the first American deaths in the Israel-Hamas conflict, three Navy SEALs have been pronounced dead following their disappearance more than ten days ago. The Simorgh launch, according to AP film, occurred at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province, Iran.
National television reporter Abbas Rasooli made the following statement: “The roar of the Simorgh (rocket) resonated in our country’s sky and infinite space” according to the clip. After several failed tries, the rocket finally succeeded, as shown in the clip, which bore the Farsi slogan “We Can” imprinted on it.
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