U.S. Department of State: we will continue to address threats posed by Iran

PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's ongoing efforts to develop its missile delivery capabilities remain a matter of deep concern, said Acting Spokesman for the U.S. Department of State.



"Recently, Iran's development of a space launch vehicle (SLV) capable of putting a satellite into orbit establishes the technical basis from which Iran could develop long-range ballistic missile systems. Many of the technological building blocks involved in SLVs are the same as those required to develop long-range ballistic missiles," Robert Wood said.



"Working with the United Nations, we have passed a number of UN Security Council Resolutions, including Resolution 1737, which require states to take the necessary measures to prevent the supply of, inter alia, specified equipment and technology that could contribute to Iran's development of nuclear weapons delivery systems. We will continue with our friends and allies in the region to address the threats posed by Iran, including those related to its missile and nuclear programs and its support of terrorism," he added.



Iran has launched its first domestically made satellite into orbit on Monday.



The launch of the Omid (Hope) Safir-2 rocket had been expected and was clearly timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Iranian revolution.



Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the satellite was launched to spread "monotheism, peace and justice" in the world.