Iran’s Space Program – Peaceful or Dangerous

March 31, 2008

The United States feels differently. US Department of State spokesman Sean McCormack called the launch “just another troubling development.” He pointed out that the same capabilities and technologies involved in sending a satellite into space can be used for long-range ballistic missiles. “We have talked oftentimes about the three parts that are needed for an Iranian nuclear weapons program. Part of that is a ballistic missile program, which they are continuing on with,” said McCormack. “Their medium-range ballistic missile program, which they say can now reach a distance of 2,000 kilometers [1,242 miles], can hit Europe. They are clearly marching ahead on the development of a long-range ballistic missile, and, of course, you have the [nuclear] enrichment program, which they are continuing to engage in.”

However, Iranian spokesman Gholam–Hossein Elham contradicted fears on their space and nuclear programs, saying, “The launch of the Explorer rocket into space was conducted strictly for scientific purposes. Our achievements in space research, as well as our progress in nuclear research, serve peace and justice.”

Meanwhile, Egypt recently weighed in on the continuing controversy over Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian news agency Fars reported that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak told Spanish correspondents that the US intelligence report that said Iran had suspended its weapons program has lowered tensions, with Mubarak calling for more understanding and patience regarding the nuclear program. Mubarak also took the opportunity to mention the necessity of Egypt’s developing nuclear power plants for electricity purposes and said that they would coordinate those efforts with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio

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