Iran ignores Western warnings to cease satellite launches
Iran will continue attempts to launch a new satellite into orbit in the coming months, ignoring warnings from Western officials who say the technology violates a U.N. security council resolution, Reuters reports.
Both the U.S. and France have labeled the satellites as ballistic missile tests, which could potentially help carry nuclear weapons, per Reuters. Iran has argued the satellites are for telecommunication purposes, reports Fortune.
Iran attempted to launch a satellite earlier this week, but the rocket failed in the third stage of its launch, per Fortune. France's Foreign Ministry condemned the attempted launch, labeling it as a "source of concern" for the international community.
"We call on Iran not to proceed with new ballistic missile tests designed to be able to carry nuclear weapons, including space launchers, and urge Iran to respect its obligations under all U.N. Security Council resolutions," ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement, per Reuters.
Following the missile failure, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani claimed Iran is on the "right track" to launching again in the near future.
"The remaining problems are minor, will be resolved in a few months, and we will soon be ready for a new launch," Rouhani said.