New York Times Report on U.S. 'Covert Actions' to Counter Iran's Missile Program

The New York Times reported, citing current and former U.S. officials, that the White House has a secret program to counter the missile program of the Islamic Republic. Officials who spoke to the New York Times stated that this program is part of a campaign to counter Tehran's military actions and economic pressures on it. Current and former U.S. officials told the New York Times that it is not possible to specifically assess the progress and success of this covert program, but they referred to recent attempts in Iran to launch a satellite that have failed. The Islamic Republic attempted to launch a satellite named Payam in late January, which ultimately did not reach orbit. On February 6, American media reported that satellite images show Iran has again attempted to send a satellite into space, although it appears to have been unsuccessful in this regard. However, in this second case, Tehran has refrained from confirming or denying the matter. Iran's Minister of Communications stated that the Payam satellite was launched but did not reach orbit. The attempts to launch a satellite have faced reactions from Washington. Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State, wrote on his Twitter account following reports of the 'second failed launch' that 'stricter limitations against Iran's missile program must be re-implemented.' Pompeo stated that Iran is seeking threatening advanced missile capabilities. The U.S. government has repeatedly criticized the development of ballistic missiles in Iran and has urged its allies to take joint actions against it. According to Washington, Tehran is the main actor behind the crises in the Middle East from Yemen to Syria and Lebanon, and actions such as the Islamic Republic's missile program exacerbate the situation. However, Tehran considers the U.S. and its allies to be the cause of the crisis and states that its missile program is non-negotiable and defensive in nature. Europeans, who unlike the U.S. want to maintain the nuclear agreement, 'JCPOA,' have echoed the U.S. in criticizing the Islamic Republic's missile program. On February 4, the European Union stated in a summary of its position regarding Iran that it is 'deeply concerned' about Tehran's ballistic missile activities and urged the Islamic Republic to stop these activities, especially the launch of ballistic missiles. The New York Times states that it has spoken with several officials who have played roles in covert programs in recent years. Current and former officials, in conversations with the New York Times, referred to efforts that were essentially formed during George W. Bush's presidency aimed at sending or providing fake parts and equipment to networks related to Iran's aerospace programs. According to the New York Times, this covert program was also pursued during the Obama administration but intensified during Mike Pompeo's tenure as Secretary of State. Tehran officials have not yet reacted to this New York Times report. However, the newspaper referenced comments from a Revolutionary Guard official who once spoke of 'sabotage' in Iran's missile program. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Aerospace Force, stated in March 2016 that 'the enemy is seeking to neutralize our defensive capabilities'; he added, 'They... seek infiltration and sabotage, which has led us to focus on domestic production of components.' The Central Intelligence Agency has declined to comment on the New York Times report. The U.S. government has also not yet provided an official response to this report. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, reacted to Iran's unsuccessful attempt to launch a satellite on January 17, stating that he would not allow the Islamic Republic to acquire intercontinental ballistic missile technology. Trump stated at that time: 'The Iranian regime tested a satellite launch vehicle that failed. If it had not failed, it could have provided sensitive information to Iran, and (Iran) could have used it to achieve intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, a capability that could even reach U.S. soil. We will not allow such a thing to happen.' The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that 'the structure of the satellite, as well as the satellite launch platform and its technical structure in terms of speed, range, and engine, as well as the launch platform, which belongs to military missiles, are different.' The U.S. government states that satellite launches indicate that the Islamic Republic is seeking to achieve advanced missile capabilities, and these actions violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Iran has attempted to launch satellites several times in recent years.