Iran made headlines on Friday with the launch of its heaviest-ever rocket, the Simorgh, carrying a payload of approximately 660 pounds. Security experts are expressing concerns that this technological advancement could potentially be utilized for Iran's nuclear program.
The timing of the rocket launch coincided with a statement from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, indicating that Iran has significantly increased its stockpiles of enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade purity.
Tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program have been escalating as the country's involvement in international conflicts, including support for terrorist groups in conflict with Israel and aid to Russia during the Ukraine invasion, continues to draw scrutiny.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlighted that Iran's rocket launch signifies more than just progress in its space program. The Simorgh rocket, a liquid propellant carrier, is seen as a step towards developing longer-range ballistic missile capabilities.
The rocket, launched from the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan province, carried an orbital propulsion system and research systems intended to orbit 250 miles above Earth. This advancement allows Iran to maneuver satellites into higher orbits, a capability it has long sought.
Notably, the rocket also carried a Fakhr-1 satellite for Iran's military, marking the first instance of a military payload being transported by an Iranian civilian program.
Despite U.N.-mandated bans on its ballistic missile program, Iran has persistently violated these restrictions, leading to the U.S.' withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Agreement in 2018. Western nations remain wary of Iran's technological advancements, fearing the potential for nuclear weapon deployment.
Recent assessments by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) suggest that Iran currently does not possess a nuclear weapon. However, the IAEA has raised alarms over Iran's increased stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels.
The ODNI's evaluation indicates that Iran could potentially produce 'more than a dozen' nuclear weapons with further uranium enrichment. Iran strategically employs the threat of nuclear capability as leverage in negotiations and to deter international pressure.
Ben Taleblu emphasized that Iran's space program, much like its nuclear program, serves to bolster the regime's status and security. The international community is urged to remain vigilant amidst Iran's recent rocket launches and nuclear posturing.
