FNA - Communications and Information Technology Minister Mahmoud Vaezi strongly rejected western claims that Iran's space projects are incompatible with the 2015 nuclear deal signed between Tehran and the world powers.

"Unfortunately, the launch of satellites has become a political issue in the world, but the claim that launching satellite is against the nuclear deal is basically wrong as we are entitled to this right and we can make an utmost use of this possibility in our country," Vaezi said in Tehran on Tuesday.


Noting that Iran's new satellite, Dousti (Friendship), is ready to launch, he said, "We insist that the launch be done by an Iranian carrier."


Iran last Thursday inaugurated the Imam Khomeini Space Center which has been described a "turning point" in the country's space activities.


It is a large complex that includes the whole process of preparation, launch, control and guidance of space launch vehicles.


Hossein Shahrabi, the chairman of Iran's Sairan Space Group, said that the base can meet Iran's needs in this field for the next 10 years.


Shahrabi told the state TV that "the space center would allow Iran to start competing with world powers for launching light-weight satellites to low orbits of the earth".


In its first mission, the base on Thursday successfully launched a space rocket called Simorq, carrying the imaging satellite Tolou into space.


Simorq is capable of placing a satellite weighing up to 250 kg in an orbit 500 kilometers above earth.


Iranian President Hassan Rouhani welcomed the launch on Thursday with a message posted on his Instagram account.


"Today, space science is very important for us and the greater our scientific power is, the greater will be our sovereignty and dignity," he wrote.


In relevant remarks earlier today, Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami announced that Iran has joined the list of countries which enjoy full cycle of space technology and facilities after inaugurating Imam Khomeini Space Center in Semnan Province, the first base in Southwest Asia for sending satellites into orbit.


"We own a full space cycle after inaugurating the center and launching Simorq satellite carrier," General Hatami told reporters in Tehran on Tuesday.


He said that the stated cycle includes fixed and mobile satellite launchers, satellites and designing and launching satellites.


Iran launched its first locally-built satellite, Omid (Hope), in 2009. The country also sent its first bio-capsule containing living creatures into space in February 2010, using Kavoshgar-3 (Explorer-3) carrier.


In February 2015, Iran placed the domestically-made Fajr (Dawn) satellite into orbit. The satellite is capable of taking and transmitting high-quality and accurate pictures to stations on Earth.


Simorq's launch came days after the US Congress passed new sanctions against Iran over its development of missiles for defensive purposes. The bill, which also includes sanctions against Russia and North Korea, awaits US President Donald Trump's approval.