TEHRAN: Iran’s government on Wednesday rejected US allegations that theIslamic republic’s satellite programme has a military dimension, days afterthe failed launch of its latest satellite.
“The subject of satellite launch vehicles and satellites is a civilianmatter,” Defence Minister Amir Hatami was quoted as saying by state newsagency IRNA.
“We could use a satellite for defence purposes, but the satellite launcheris a completely non-defensive subject and it’s the definite and absoluteright of the Iranian nation.
“There is no prohibition in the world” against this satellite programme, hesaid.
Iran attempted on Sunday to launch a satellite dubbed the Zafar — Farsi for”Victory” — but it failed to reach orbit.
Washington on Tuesday accused Tehran of using satellites as a cover todevelop its missile programme.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the technology involved to launchsatellites was “virtually identical” to the know-how for long-rangeballistic missiles.
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But Hatami said Iran was only doing the same as “all other countries” withsatellite programmes.
Iran would press ahead with its satellite programme and planned to launch anew version of the Zafar by early next year, he added.
“The Zafar 2, given its weight, will be launched with the Simorghlauncher,” Hatami said, referring to the rocket used in Sunday’s launch.
“We will still do research on the launcher and the satellites and willcertainly continue this research until we are stable in this domain anduntil we are able to do it sustainably.” – APP / AFP
