Iran Plans Launch Of New Satellite As Part Of Ballistic Missile Program

Missile Capable Of Carrying A Nuclear Warhead Will Launch Zafar Satellite

(New York, N.Y.) – Iranian officials have recently discussed plans to launch its new Zafar (or “victory”) satellite into low Earth orbit using the Simorgh (or “phoenix”) satellite carrier missile, which U.S. officials have declared to be part of Iran’s ballistic missile program and designed to carry a nuclear payload. The news comes as Iran begins preparations leading up to the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. United Against Nuclear Iran’s (UANI) resource, Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program, analyzes Iran’s nuclear operations, ballistic missile program, and arms proliferation.

Throughout early 2020, Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has promoted the launch of the 113-kilogram Zafar satellite, which he said would “head toward an orbit of 530 kilometers from Earth.” Most concerning has been Tehran’s announcement that the Simorgh would be used to launch the satellite. The timing of this launch is important—reports indicate that it’s expected to take place any day now. The exercise is an attempt to generate Iranian nationalism ahead of the February 11 anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and Iran’s parliamentary elections on February 21, 2020.

With Iran continuing to perfect its ballistic technology and extend its missile range, the serious threat to the U.S. homeland and our NATO and Middle Eastern allies of an Iran armed with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles remains. Coupled with Iran’s ongoing illegal procurement of technology for weapons of mass destruction, global and regional fears of Iran’s aggression and nuclear ambitions have been reinforced. While there is an ongoing dispute about whether Iran is directly violating the U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 with its ballistic missile tests, the fact remains that such missiles would be Iran’s only viable method for launching nuclear weapons. Iran’s continued ballistic missile development is inconsistent with Iran’s declarations that it will not seek a nuclear weapons capability.

To read UANI’s resource, Iran’s Ballistic Missile Campaign, please click here.

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