Trump on Satellite Launch: We Know More About Iran Than They Know About Themselves

The US president says Washington is closely monitoring Iran and following the satellite launch process. Mike Pompeo announced that Iran must be held accountable in this regard. A Pentagon deputy called Iran’s behavior “evil.”

The US president at a White House press briefing, in response to the Noor satellite launch, said: “We are closely monitoring Iran and we know more about Iran than they know about themselves.”

Donald Trump added that Washington was closely following the satellite launch process.

The US Secretary of State also condemned the IRGC’s satellite-carrying missile launch and said at a press conference that Iran must be held accountable in this regard. Mike Pompeo emphasized at a press conference that this missile was launched by an entity that is on the US list of “terrorist organizations.”

Pompeo recalled that contrary to Iran’s insistence on the non-military nature of its satellite programs, the Noor missile proved that the United States’ position was correct.

Meanwhile, Morgan Ortagus, spokeswoman for the US State Department, said that the Noor satellite launch violates UN Security Council Resolution 2231, and Washington wants this issue to be reviewed in the Security Council.

The US Department of Defense has not yet taken a position on the IRGC’s action, but the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States said the missile traveled a very long distance: “… This is an affirmation that Iran has the capability to threaten its neighbors and our allies.”

General John Hyten said at a press conference: “Everyone should know that we monitor and identify every rocket and missile launch from the ground. This includes Iran’s recent missile. We are not providing more information because it is classified and confidential.”

At the same press conference, a Pentagon deputy called Iran’s behavior “evil.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the Noor military satellite launch and called on the international community in a statement to intensify sanctions against Iran. The statement said that Iran is continuing military programs while it should be focusing on the coronavirus crisis and affected citizens.

Iran’s Minister of Communications, in explaining why the IRGC’s space programs are separate, told the Associated Press: “Iran’s space program is peaceful, with part of it being carried out by the government and the peaceful defense part naturally being pursued by the armed forces.”

The IRGC announced on Wednesday, the third of Ordibehesht, the successful launch of the Islamic Republic’s first military satellite. In the IRGC statement: “The Noor satellite was successfully launched from the Qasid three-stage satellite carrier from Iran’s central desert and placed in orbit 425 kilometers above Earth.”

More details about this military satellite have not been released. In domestic media, congratulations and praise from officials for the IRGC’s capability are most evident.

The Noor satellite was launched on Iran’s fifth attempt to reach space. Previous attempts had all failed. The last one goes back to the “Zafar” communications satellite, which was launched in Bahman 98 and on the occasion of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. This satellite fell eight minutes after launch. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Communications, explained the matter: “The satellite reached an orbit of 540 kilometers but the satellite carrier did not reach the required speed of 7,400 kilometers.”

Iran has always claimed that its satellites have non-military functions. The United States considers Iran’s satellite programs to be a cover for military and missile activities.

Source: DW