US, Europeans push UN for action over Iran rocket launch

The United States, backed by France, Britain and Germany, is pushing for action at the UN Security Council following Iran’s launch of a satellite rocket, described by Washington as a threatening and provocative step.

In a letter, US Ambassador Nikki Haley argues on behalf of the four countries that the Simorgh space launch vehicle system, “if configured as a ballistic missile,” would have a range of over 300 kilometers (185 miles) and enough payload capacity to carry a nuclear warhead.

“This launch therefore represents a threatening and provocative step by Iran,” says the letter seen by AFP. “Iran’s longstanding program to develop ballistic missiles continues to be inconsistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and has a destabilizing effect in the region.”

Iran launched the rocket on July 27, prompting the United States to impose sanctions on six companies that Washington said were linked to Iran’s missile program.

— AFP