Iran says it has successfully sent a satellite into space

On September 14, 2024, news from Tehran. Iran says it has successfully sent a satellite into space. Iran said the launch was carried out using a rocket manufactured by the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guards. According to Iranian state media, the 60-kilogram "Chamran-1" satellite was sent into a 550-kilometer orbit by the "Qaem-100" rocket. There is currently no independent news immediately confirming the success of this launch, and Iranian authorities have also not provided details such as video.

This launch comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East are escalating due to the war in the Gaza Strip. During this period, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Israel. At the same time, it continues to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels, raising concerns among non-proliferation experts. The United States previously said that Iran's satellite launch violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and called on it not to conduct activities involving ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Relevant United Nations sanctions expired in October last year.

Under the leadership of former Iranian president Rouhani, the space program slowed down due to concerns about exacerbating tensions with the West. After hardline president Raisi came to power, he promoted the program. Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May 2024. The attitude of new president Pezeshkian towards this program is currently unclear. The US intelligence community says Iran's satellite launch vehicle development will shorten its timeline for developing intercontinental ballistic missiles. Iran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons, saying that the space program and nuclear activities are for civilian purposes. But US intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency say Iran had a military nuclear program before 2003. This launch also comes close to the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini. Her death once triggered nationwide protests.