EMBASSY EVENTS 2009
Iranian Satellite Launch

6 February 2009

Iranian Satellite Launch

On February 3, 2009, U.S. officials confirmed Iran’s claim that it successfully launched a satellite into orbit — an innovation that experts warn could be applied to the development of long-range missiles.  “We view Iran as a challenge. And it is one that is not directed solely at the United States, or even at our European allies, but, indeed, the larger region and the world,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told reporters.  “Iran has an opportunity to step up and become a productive member of the international community.”  The Iranian satellite launch underlines international concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions as top diplomats meet in Germany to discuss new ways to convince Tehran to suspend its controversial nuclear program and join the United States at the negotiating table.  Iran’s ongoing efforts to develop its missile delivery capabilities remain a matter of deep concern to the international community. “That is a cause of concern to us, and I think to certainly everybody in the region, Israel and their Arab neighbors, as well as to our allies in Europe,” said Defense Department spokesman Geoff Morrell.

Iran's development of a space launch vehicle (SLV) capable of putting a satellite into orbit establishes the technical basis from which Iran could develop long-range ballistic missile systems. Many of the technological building blocks involved in SLVs are the same as those required to develop long-range ballistic missiles.  “We will continue with our friends and allies in the region to address the threats posed by Iran, including those related to its missile and nuclear programs and its support of terrorism,” said Washington officials in a statement issued on February 3.  The Iranian satellite launch comes as President Obama orders a comprehensive review of U.S. policy toward Iran, expressing a new willingness to engage diplomatically after nearly 30 years of strained ties between Washington and Tehran.  “If countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us,” Obama said in a January 27 interview with the Saudi satellite channel al-Arabiya. (See “Analysis: Will Iran Accept America’s 'Open Hand'?”)

Iranian officials claim the satellite, launched on the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution aboard what Western security experts say is a modified Shahab-3 ballistic missile, is intended for peaceful research. However, Tehran’s long-standing refusal to address evidence of other weapons-related elements of its nuclear research program has led a growing number of nations — including the United States — to suspect that the launch may be the latest development in a covert drive to develop nuclear weapons.  

Top diplomats pledged continued unity in efforts to convince Iran to suspend its nuclear program and welcomed President Obama’s willingness to engage with Tehran.
Representatives from the P5+1 — U.N. Security Council permanent members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with Germany — met in Wiesbaden, Germany February 4 to confer on Iran’s nuclear challenge and reaffirm their shared commitment to a diplomatic resolution.  Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns represented the United States at the six-nation meeting — the first since President Obama took office — and briefed members on the initial stages of the new administration’s comprehensive review of its policy toward Iran.  Please click here to see the State Department’s official press statement on the launch.