The European Troika Condemns Iran's Use of the 'Qaem100' Satellite Launch Vehicle

Three European powers that are part of the JCPOA issued a joint statement condemning the launch of the Suraya satellite using the Qaem100 launch vehicle. According to the joint statement from the UK, France, and Germany, the launch vehicle utilizes technology essential for the development of long-range ballistic missile systems. The European Troika stated that despite repeated international calls to halt its missile program and years of ignoring UN-imposed restrictions, the Islamic Republic continues its development. The three European countries emphasized that such launches allow Iran to test the necessary technology for further development of its ballistic missile program. They noted that Iran's ballistic missile program and these missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads pose a significant threat to regional and global security, and the continued escalation of nuclear tensions by the Iranian government, which goes 'beyond all valid civilian justifications,' raises concerns within the international community. The UK, Germany, and France reiterated their commitment to taking all 'diplomatic steps' to prevent the development of nuclear weapons by the Islamic Republic and to hold the Iranian government accountable for all its 'destabilizing' activities in the region and the world. On Saturday, January 30, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that it successfully placed the Suraya satellite into a 750-kilometer orbit around the Earth. According to the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the IRGC, Suraya was launched into space by the three-stage solid-fuel Qaem100 launch vehicle of this military force's aerospace division. The launch was attended by senior IRGC officials, including Major General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force. This action took place amid strong opposition from the United States and the three European countries in the JCPOA regarding the Islamic Republic's military and especially missile programs. According to the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA, certain 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, as well as some arms and missile restrictions against the Iranian government, were 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 described Iran's missile activities as 'one of the greatest challenges' to international peace and security in a statement coinciding with 'Transfer Day.' He stated, 'We are witnessing the horrific impact of providing these missiles and Iranian drones to terrorist organizations and proxy militia groups, which directly threaten the security of Israel and our partners in the Gulf.' Simultaneously on 'Transfer Day,' the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on 11 individuals, eight entities, and one vessel for their involvement in Iran's destabilizing ballistic missile and drone programs. On the same 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 previously stated in a written response to VOA, '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 other concerning and destabilizing behaviors both domestically and globally.'