Defense Minister Gen. Hatami:

Iran to Press Ahead With Satellite Program

Date: 12 February 2020 - 22:25

News ID: ۷۶۰۸۸

TEHRAN (Dispatches) -- Iran’s government on Wednesday rejected U.S. allegations that the Islamic Republic’s satellite program has a military dimension, days after the launch of its latest satellite which fell short of reaching the orbit.
"The subject of satellite launch vehicles and satellites is a civilian matter,” Defense Minister General Amir Hatami was quoted as saying by IRNA news agency.
"We could use a satellite for defencs purposes, but the satellite launcher is a completely non-defensive subject and it’s the definite and absolute right of the Iranian nation.
"There is no prohibition in the world” against this satellite program, he said.
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 to develop its missile program.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the technology involved to launch satellites was "virtually identical” to the know-how for long-range ballistic missiles.
But Hatami said Iran was only doing the same as "all other countries” with satellite programs.
Iran would press ahead with its satellite program and planned to launch a new version of the Zafar by early next year, he added.
"The Zafar 2, given its weight, will be launched with the Simorgh launcher,” Hatami said, referring to the rocket used in Sunday’s launch.
"We will still do research on the launcher and the satellites and will certainly continue this research until we are stable in this domain and until we are able to do it sustainably.”