France Condemns Iran's Satellite Launch Into Orbit

France has denounced Iran's launch of the Nour-III satellite, declaring it a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the nuclear deal.

In a statement released on Thursday, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed concerns, stating, "Due to the significant technological overlap between space launches and ballistic missile launches, this event directly contributes to Iran's worrisome progress in its ballistic missile program."

Iran announced the successful launch of the satellite, utilizing the Qased Space Launch Vehicle, on September 27th. This launch incorporated technology crucial for the development of a long-range ballistic missile system, coming at a time of escalating tensions between Iran and Western nations.

Paris asserts that this launch follows a series of breaches and repeated violations of Resolution 2231, against the backdrop of nuclear escalation over several years, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The statement also emphasized "the international community's continued concern regarding Iran's ballistic program."

France called upon Iran to cease its destabilizing ballistic activities and reiterated its commitment to collaborating with allies to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Last week, the UK also criticized Iran for the satellite launch, stating, "Iran has taken this action despite repeated calls from the UN Security Council to halt its ballistic missile program. Iran's actions further demonstrate its disregard for international restrictions and underscore the grave threat posed by the regime to global security."

This controversy is not new, as the United States has accused Iran of repeatedly violating UN Security Council regulations through its satellite program.

Iran has a history of promptly announcing successful space launches through its state-run television channels while often remaining silent on failed attempts. Over the past decade, Iran has launched several short-lived satellites into orbit and even sent a monkey into space in 2013. However, there have been five consecutive unsuccessful launches in the Simorgh program, which involves satellite-carrying rockets.