Iran denies satellite launch has military dimension

Tehran: Iran’s government on Wednesday rejected US allegations that the Islamic republic’s satellite programme has a military dimension, days after the failed launch of its latest satellite.
“The subject of satellite launch vehicles and satellites is a civilian matter,” Defence Minister Amir Hatami was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.
“We could use a satellite for defence purposes, but the satellite launcher is a completely non-defensive subject and it’s the definite and absolute right of the Iranian nation. ”
“There is no prohibition in the world” against this satellite programme, he said.
Iran attempted on Sunday to launch a satellite dubbed the Zafar — Farsi for ‘Victory’ — but it failed to reach orbit. Washington on Tuesday accused Tehran of using satellites as a cover to develop its missile programme. (AFP)