State Dept.: Iran Rocket Launch ‘Provocative,’ Flouts UN Resolution

This picture released by the official website of the Iranian Defense Ministry on Thursday, July 27, 2017, claims to show the launching of Simorgh satellite-carrying rocket in an undisclosed location, Iran. (Iranian D... This picture released by the official website of the Iranian Defense Ministry on Thursday, July 27, 2017, claims to show the launching of Simorgh satellite-carrying rocket in an undisclosed location, Iran. (Iranian Defense Ministry via AP) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States says Iran committed a “provocative act” that flouted a U.N. Security Council resolution by launching its most advanced satellite-carrying rocket to date into space.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says the launch also violates the spirit of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iranian state media have said Iran successfully launched a “Simorgh” rocket that can carry a 550 pound (250 kilogram) satellite. The State Department says that type of technology is inherently designed to be able to carry a nuclear payload.

The Security Council resolution that enshrined the nuclear deal discourages but doesn’t explicitly prohibit Iran from launching ballistic missiles that could carry a nuclear warhead.

Despite the deal limiting Iran’s nuclear activity, the U.S. has continued to punish Tehran for developing ballistic missile technology.

Latest News
2
Show Comments

Notable Replies

  1. The Security Council resolution that enshrined the nuclear deal discourages but doesn’t explicitly prohibit Iran from launching ballistic missiles that could carry a nuclear warhead.

    But once again the US feels it is the only one who should dictate who may or may not launch satellites.

    Despite the deal limiting Iran’s nuclear activity, the U.S. has continued to punish Tehran for developing ballistic missile technology.

    The continued punishment is designed to push us into another war. Lawrence Wilkerson characterizes it as “a recipe for utter disaster.” Truly a roadmap to hell.

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

Participants

Avatar for system1 Avatar for tiowally

Continue Discussion
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Deputy Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: