Pompeo Warns Iran About Launching 'Ballistic and Space Missiles'

On Thursday, January 3, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Iran to abandon its ballistic and space missile launch program and refrain from disrupting peace and stability in the region. In a statement, Pompeo said, 'The United States will not stand by and watch Iran's destructive policies put international stability and security at risk.' He added, 'We advise the regime [Islamic Republic] to reconsider its provocative missile launches and halt all ballistic missile activities to avoid further deep economic and diplomatic isolation.' Pompeo noted that the Iranian regime's Ministry of Defense has publicly announced plans to launch three space vehicles (SLVs) in the coming months, actions that once again demonstrate Iran's defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Pompeo's remarks appear to be a reaction to comments made by Iran's Deputy Minister of Defense on November 29, who stated, 'In the coming months, three satellites will be launched by Iran into space.' Qasem Taghizadeh added, 'These three satellites will be placed in designated orbits after launch, showcasing Iran's space capabilities.' According to him, 'These satellites have been developed with the support of the Ministry of Defense.' The head of the Iranian Space Research Center also announced on Tuesday that tests for the 'Payam' satellite from Amir Kabir University have begun and will conclude by the end of next week. Hossein Samimi told ISNA that this satellite is set to be launched into space using the domestic 'Simorgh' launcher, and its technical specifications allow it to place the 100-kilogram 'Payam' satellite at an altitude of 500 kilometers with a 55-degree inclination. He described the primary mission of this satellite as 'earth imaging.' In his statement, Pompeo emphasized that these actions from Tehran once again illustrate Iran's defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which calls on the Iranian regime to refrain from any ballistic missile tests capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Pompeo clarified that Iran's program includes launching satellite launch vehicles that utilize technology for constructing ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. These missiles can have a range of up to 10,000 kilometers, capable of targeting U.S. territory. The statement accuses the Iranian government of being at the forefront of supporting terrorism, proliferating missiles and related technologies, and providing them to proxy groups throughout the Middle East. On December 1, Pompeo was the first to reveal an Iranian medium-range missile test, stating that this type of missile, capable of targeting parts of Europe and the entire Middle East, violates UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Initially, Iranian officials evaded confirming this test but later acknowledged it. However, Iran claims that these missiles do not have nuclear warhead capabilities and thus its missile tests do not violate the Security Council resolution. In his statement on Thursday, Pompeo noted that Iran has conducted numerous missile tests since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, referring to Iran's latest test on December 1, where the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force admitted that Iran conducts between 30 to 40 missile tests annually. Pompeo added that the United States has consistently warned that Iran's ballistic and space missile tests threaten peace and stability in the region and beyond. France, Germany, the UK, and many other countries have also expressed deep concern in this regard. He advised the Islamic Republic of Iran to reconsider these 'provocative launches' and halt all ballistic missile activities to prevent further economic and diplomatic isolation of Tehran. The U.S. government withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran on May 8, and in August and November, reinstated suspended sanctions against Tehran. President Donald Trump has stated he is ready to negotiate with Iranian leaders to reach a comprehensive agreement regarding Tehran's nuclear program, missile activities, and Iran's role in the region. The leaders of the Islamic Republic have rejected any negotiations with Washington and have demanded the U.S. return to the JCPOA.