Iran launches satellite, troubles West amid tensions in Middle East
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iran declared on Saturday a successful satellite launch into its highest orbit, raising concerns for Western nations about Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities.
Iran successfully launched the Soraya satellite into orbit using the Qaem 100 rocket, reaching approximately 750 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The purpose of the satellite has not been disclosed, but it had a payload weighing 50 kilograms (110 pounds).
This came after growing tensions in the Middle East after the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October 2023, and recent tit-for-tat airstrikes between Iran and Pakistan.
The launch was part of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) space program, in addition to its civilian sector.
Footage released by Iranian media showed the rocket taking off from a mobile launcher, with a religious verse related to Shiite Islam inscribed on its side.
The U.S. has previously criticized Iran’s satellite launches, stating that they defy a U.N. Security Council resolution. The U.S. has called on Iran to refrain from engaging in any activities involving ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile program expired in October 2023.
Under former President Hassan Rouhani, Iran slowed down its space program to avoid tensions with the West. However, the current President Ebrahim Raisi, who came to power in 2021, has been pushing for the program’s advancement.
Iran has always denied pursuing nuclear weapons and claims that its space program, like its nuclear activities, is solely for civilian purposes, but IRGC’s involvement in the launches raises concerns for the West.
The IRGC, which receives orders from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, revealed its space program back in 2020.