Iran Condemns Three European Nations' Criticism of Its Satellite Launch

Iran condemned today, Saturday, the denunciation by three European countries regarding its launch of the (Thuraya) satellite, stating that "peaceful technological advancement in the field of space is a legitimate right." France, Germany, and Britain denounced Tehran's launch of the (Thuraya) satellite last week using the (Khaim-100) satellite launch vehicle, a solid-fuel three-stage rocket manufactured by the Revolutionary Guard. The three countries noted in a joint statement that "the satellite launch vehicle employs technology necessary for the development of long-range ballistic missile systems, which could also allow Tehran to launch weapons further away."