IRGC Aerospace Commander: Satellite Launchers Are Stored Due to Fear of America

The commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force stated that the "fundamental problem" of the Islamic Republic is the "perspective of officials to overcome challenges," and that Iran's "ready-to-fly satellite launchers" are being stored "due to fear of America." According to a report on Thursday (March 10), Amir Ali Hajizadeh made these remarks during a ceremony commemorating martyrs at Imamzadeh Saleh in Tajrish, criticizing the government of Hassan Rouhani. Hajizadeh did not mention any officials by name but criticized the foreign policy of Rouhani's administration, deeming the storage of Iran's satellite launchers during Rouhani's presidency as "humiliating." During Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency, Iran launched several satellites into space, but these space projects have been sidelined since Rouhani took power. Iran launched its first satellite, "Omid," which officials described as having a "research and telecommunications" nature, into space in February 2009 using the "Safir" satellite launcher. About a year after the launch of Omid, Iranian officials announced the successful launch of the "Kavoshgar 3" satellite launcher, which carried a capsule containing a snake and a live mouse. Iran's entry into the club of countries capable of launching satellites has raised concerns among some Western politicians and experts. In March 2011, the French government expressed concern over Iran's tests of launching a "biological capsule" into space, and the U.S. has repeatedly expressed worries over Iran's missile capabilities, deeming these actions a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Israel, the U.S., and other global powers have accused Iran of using space programs as a cover to develop longer-range ballistic missiles that could pose a serious threat to the world. Iran has consistently responded that the international community does not believe in the scientific and technological capabilities of the Iranian nation and is unwilling to accept Iran's scientific and technical advancements. The IRGC Aerospace Force commander also referred to the perspective of some officials in the Islamic Republic as "reliance on America" and stated, "We have no example of America solving anyone's problems in the world." He also mentioned the contract for purchasing Boeing aircraft by the eleventh government, likening it to the conception of a "defective offspring" that will surely be delivered to the nation. Following the signing of the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers (JCPOA), Iran Air purchased 100 passenger aircraft from Airbus and ordered 80 from Boeing. Both companies have stated that they will sign their contracts with Iran after close coordination with American officials. The IRGC Aerospace Force commander also mentioned that the JCPOA is an important "test" in which the Islamic Republic has adhered to its "commitments" in exchange for America's "bounced check." Hajizadeh added, "I do not want to be pessimistic, but America has not fulfilled any of its promises."