Iran Launches Three Satellites Aboard Russian Rocket, Marking Deepening Moscow-Tehran Ties
Three Iranian satellites designed and produced by Iranian scientists were launched into orbit aboard a Russian rocket from eastern Russia, marking the seventh satellite launch collaboration between Iran and Russia. Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali stated that the satellites were created by Iranian scientists and emphasized that cooperation with Moscow continues despite sanctions and threats.
Western governments have expressed concerns that the Iran space program could advance technologies applicable to ballistic missiles; however, Tehran maintains that the satellites serve civilian purposes such as environmental monitoring and agriculture.
These launches demonstrate a deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran. Iran supplies drones and other equipment to Russia in exchange for diplomatic backing and technical and economic support amid sanctions. Meanwhile, U.S. concerns and tensions persist with Iran and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine and Iran's nuclear program. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any U.S. attack would be met with a harsh response.
Russia portrays its partnerships with Iran and other sanctioned states as evidence that Western efforts to isolate Moscow are failing, while Iran uses this cooperation to demonstrate resilience under sanctions.
