Iran has announced a successful satellite launch into its highest orbit yet, a program that raises concerns for the West as it fears this can improve Tehran’s ballistic missiles. The timing of this announcement is also significant, given the heightened tensions in the Middle East as Israel continues its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and following tit-for-tat airstrikes between Iran and Pakistan.
The satellite, named Soraya, was placed in an orbit at about 750 kilometers above the Earth’s surface using the Qaem 100 rocket. However, its actual payload and functionality were not immediately disclosed. The launch is part of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ space program alongside its civilian space program, and the involvement of the Guard in the launches, as well as its ability to launch the rocket from a mobile launcher, raise concerns for the West.
The U.S. intelligence community has expressed concerns about Iran’s satellite launch vehicles, fearing that this development could shorten the timeline for Iran to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile, using similar technology. The U.S. has previously called on Tehran to refrain from any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as it does not want Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
While Iran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons, there are concerns as it continues to produce uranium close to weapons-grade levels following the collapse of the nuclear deal with world powers. The involvement of the Guard in the space program raises further alarm, considering its allegiance to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
While Iran insists its space program is for civilian purposes, it has faced struggles and setbacks in its recent launches, including several failed launches in a row for the Simorgh program. However, Iran has shown some advancements, such as sending a capsule into orbit in December capable of carrying animals as it prepares for future human missions.