IRGC Claims Successful Launch of 'Soraya' Satellite into 750 km Orbit

On Saturday, January 30, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that it has successfully placed the 'Soraya' satellite into a 750 km orbit around the Earth. According to Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, 'Soraya' was launched into space by the three-stage solid-fuel rocket 'Qaem100' of the IRGC's aerospace force. The launch was attended by several high-ranking IRGC officials, including Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force. This action comes at a time when the United States and three European countries involved in the JCPOA have strongly opposed the military and especially missile programs of the Islamic Republic. According to the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA, some restrictions related to Iran's nuclear and missile programs, including 84 UN sanctions and 112 UK sanctions against individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and missile activities, were supposed to be lifted on October 18, 2023, referred to as 'Transfer Day.' However, the US, UK, France, and Germany decided to maintain these sanctions, citing Iran's nuclear and missile activities, including those related to ballistic missiles designed to carry nuclear weapons. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on the occasion of 'Transfer Day,' described Iran's missile activities as 'one of the greatest challenges' to international peace and security. He stated, 'We are witnessing the horrific impact of providing these missiles and Iranian drones to terrorist organizations and militia proxy groups, which directly threaten the security of Israel and our partners in the Gulf.' On the same 'Transfer Day,' the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against 11 individuals, eight entities, and one ship due to their involvement in destabilizing ballistic missile and drone programs of the Islamic Republic. On this day, the US and 46 other countries issued a statement reaffirming their joint commitment to take all necessary actions to prevent the supply, sale, or transfer of items, materials, equipment, goods, and technologies related to Iran's ballistic missiles. The US State Department had previously stated in a written response to VOA that 'under the Biden administration, the United States has taken numerous actions to address Iran's nuclear program, the development and proliferation of missiles and drones, financing of terrorism, and its other concerning and destabilizing behaviors domestically, regionally, and globally.'