US: Launch of IRGC Satellite is a 'Serious Threat' to Regional and International Security

The United States confirmed the launch of the third satellite into space by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and deemed it a violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution and a 'serious threat to regional and international security.' According to the Associated Press, data released by the 'Space Track' website early on Friday, October 29, recorded the launch of the Noor-3 satellite. This site is managed by the 18th Space Defense Squadron of the U.S. Space Force, the newest branch of the U.S. military. The data from this site indicates that the Noor-3 satellite is in an orbit over 450 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The organization also identified the rocket carrying the satellite as a three-stage 'Qased' rocket that uses both solid and liquid fuel. The Associated Press, analyzing the video released from the launch of this rocket, stated that the location was a base near Shahroud in Semnan, where Iran's civilian space program is conducted. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, referred to the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile capabilities as a 'serious threat to regional and international security' in response to the Noor-3 satellite entering Earth's orbit. Mr. Miller stated, 'We will continue to use various non-proliferation tools, including sanctions, to counter further advancements in Iran's ballistic missile program and its ability to proliferate missiles and related technologies to others.' A media official from the U.S. State Department also responded in writing to a question from the Persian section of Voice of America, saying, 'We have long expressed our concerns that Iran's space launch programs provide a pathway for the development of longer-range missile systems, as space launch vehicles use technologies that are nearly identical and interchangeable with ballistic missiles.' Some Western experts say the IRGC's space program is a cover for developing intercontinental ballistic missiles. In mid-February 2022, six members of the U.S. House of Representatives wrote a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to consider the Islamic Republic's missile capabilities as a 'serious threat.' Another video released from the launch of the Noor-3 satellite on Iranian state television showed that a Dutch-Italian 'Iveco' truck was used to tow the launcher. The truck manufacturer did not respond to the Associated Press's request for comment. Ali Jafarabadi, the IRGC's space commander, stated in an interview with Iranian state television that the imaging accuracy of the Noor-3 satellite is two and a half times that of the Noor-2 satellite. The Noor-2 satellite was launched in March 2022 and is still in orbit. The capabilities of Noor-3's imaging are still unclear. The head of U.S. Space Command described Noor-1 as a 'webcam in space' that does not provide significant information. The United States has asked Tehran to refrain from any activities related to ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. United Nations sanctions related to Iran's ballistic missile program will expire on October 18. Recently, Voice of America reported that European diplomats informed the Islamic Republic that they are determined to maintain the 'ballistic missile sanctions' of the European Union based on this resolution. The Islamic Republic has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons and stated that it uses its space and nuclear programs solely for peaceful purposes. After the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA, the Islamic Republic gradually limited the access of International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors. The Associated Press, citing information from the IAEA, reported that since the efforts to revive the JCPOA reached a stalemate, Iran has enough enriched uranium and could potentially build 'several' nuclear weapons if it chooses to do so. The Islamic Republic is also constructing new underground nuclear facilities, and the U.S. and Israel have stated that they will take military action if necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. CENTCOM reported an 'unsafe and unprofessional' encounter between the IRGC and an American helicopter.