Iran Not Negotiating Legitimate Right to Develop Science, Technology - FM Spokesman

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi reiterated on Thursday that developing science and technology, especially in the field of aerospace is a legal right of Iran, saying that successful and honorable launch of satellite 'Noor' is for peaceful purposes and in line with Iran's defense policy.

Mousavi made the remarks in reaction to the US recent stance on Tehran's launch of satellite, describing it as interference in Iran's internal affairs, and saying that such interventions will never be able to undermine Iranian people's resolve to press ahead with its scientific programs.

"No resolution has banned Iran from sending satellite to space and the US citation of Resolution 2231 is definitely out of place and against realities, given the fact that it is the same resolution that Washington violated it by abandoning JCPOA and it is openly pressuring other independent countries to violate it," he said.

Dismissing Germany's stance vis-à-vis launch of the Iranian satellite, Mousavi said that German Foreign Ministry expresses concern over launch of the country's domestically-made satellite at a time when its defense minister has told reporters about his decision to buy a fighter capable of carrying a nuclear bomb.

"Such double-standard policies threaten security of the region, Europe and world," he reiterated.

On April 22, Iran launched its first military satellite named Noor-1 [dubbed Light]. The satellite was placed into an orbit 425 km above atmosphere.