Iranian Imaging Satellite Launched from Russia

The Islamic Republic of Iran has announced the launch of a domestically-developed remote sensing and imaging satellite into orbit from Russia's far eastern Amur region.

The Pars-I satellite was launched with the Russian Soyuz rocket launcher on February 29 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, state-run Press TV reported.

According to Telecommunications Minister Issa Zareppur, Iran has launched 12 satellites into space over the past 25 months.

In January, the Islamic Republic said it had simultaneously launched three satellites into orbit, soon after the launch of a research satellite by its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The United States and its allies have repeatedly warned Tehran against such launches, saying the same technology can be used for ballistic missiles, including ones designed to deliver a nuclear warhead.

Iranian officials have claimed that Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons and that its satellite and rocket launches are for civil or defense purposes only.