(Reuters) – Iran responded on Saturday to the criticism from three European countries regarding the launch of the Soraya satellite, defending its right to peaceful technological advancement in the aerospace field. France, Germany and Britain had previously condemned the launch of the Soraya using the Ghaem-100 Space Launch Vehicle (SLV), citing concerns that the technology could be used for long-range ballistic missiles. They stated that such technology could enable Tehran to launch longer-range weapons.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani dismissed these statements as “interventionist” and affirmed that Iran is determined to advance in science and technology. He also emphasized Iran’s commitment to the use of peaceful technologies as its legitimate right.
The Soraya satellite, developed by the civilian Iranian Space Agency, was successfully put into a 750 km (470 mile) orbit, marking Iran’s highest achievement in satellite launch, as reported by Iranian media. The 50 kg (110 lb) satellite was launched by the Qaem 100, a three-stage solid-fuel rocket built by the elite military Revolutionary Guards.
Tehran has consistently denied allegations from the U.S. that its aerospace activities are a guise for developing ballistic missiles and emphasized that it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons. Despite its efforts, Iran has faced technical challenges leading to failed satellite launches in recent years.
The Iranian foreign ministry remains firm in expressing its commitment to peaceful technological development and rejects the criticism from the European countries. The debate over the potential military applications of Iran’s aerospace advancements continues to be a point of contention in international relations.
While the European countries have expressed concerns about the implications of Iran’s satellite launch, the Iranian government remains steadfast in its pursuit of scientific progress. The tensions surrounding Iran’s aerospace activities have sparked a debate regarding the balance between technological advancement and international security.
The Iranian Satellite launch has sparked a dispute between Iran and European countries, with each side emphasizing its own perspective on the issue. The conflicting views illustrate the complex relationship between Iran’s aerospace developments and the concerns of the international community.
The European countries’ condemnation of Iran’s satellite launch has not deterred Iran from pursuing its goals in the aerospace field. The debate over the potential military implications of Iran’s technological advancements continues to be a point of contention in international relations.
The Iranian government remains firm in its commitment to peaceful technological development despite the criticism from the European countries. The dispute over Iran’s satellite launch highlights the broader challenges of balancing scientific progress with international security concerns.
([email protected]; Editing by Giles Elgood)
