USA: Iran's Satellite Launch Test Violates the Spirit of the JCPOA

Heather Nauert, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, described Iran's action of testing a satellite launch vehicle as provocative and stated that the launch violates the 'spirit' of the nuclear agreement (JCPOA). According to Reuters, Ms. Nauert said, 'We assess this launch as a type of development of ballistic missile programs, and this action violates the Security Council resolution.' The State Department spokesperson emphasized that they believe the action taken by Iran is a violation of the spirit of the nuclear agreement. On Thursday, Iran announced that it had successfully launched the 'Simorgh' satellite launch vehicle into space. Iranian state television and news agencies reported that the launch was 'successful.' According to this report, the 'Simorgh' launch vehicle can place satellites weighing up to 250 kilograms into a 500-kilometer orbit. While Iran conducted this launch, the U.S. Congress is in the process of passing new sanctions against Iran's missile program. In this context, the U.S. Treasury Department added 18 individuals and entities to its sanctions list on July 18 for supporting the ballistic missile activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. accuses Iran of repeatedly conducting ballistic missile tests that could be used to carry nuclear warheads, despite UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Iran and six world powers reached an agreement on the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action' (JCPOA) in July 2015 in Vienna. Under this agreement, Iran suspended many of its nuclear activities in exchange for the suspension or lifting of international nuclear sanctions against Iran. Security Council Resolution 2231, issued after the Vienna nuclear agreement to endorse it, called on Iran to refrain from developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Iran argues that its missile tests are not in violation of the nuclear agreement, stating that 'the tested missiles were not designed to carry nuclear warheads.' In this context, the statements of the U.S. State Department spokesperson regarding the confirmation of the 'JCPOA' and Iran's approach in the region are significant. The U.S. has sanctioned 18 individuals and entities for supporting Iran's missile program, and the State Department claims to be monitoring Iran's missile program 'closely.'