France Condemns Latest Iranian Space Launch

By Ania Nussbaum

France condemned efforts by Iran to build a new ballistic missile with a range of more than 500 kilometers, further complicating efforts to keep Tehran operating within the framework of a faltering nuclear accord.

“The development of Iran’s ballistic missile program undermines regional stability and affects the security of Europe,” the French foreign affairs ministry said on Monday. “France calls on Iran to fully comply with its international obligations in this regard.”

Iran already breached aspects of the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, such as exceeding levels of enriched uranium and no longer adhering to limits of centrifuges -- a response to the U.S. abandoning the accord in 2018. The European Union last month initiated formal proceedings to resolve the dispute that could lead to a re-imposition of sanctions by the United Nations.

France also said Iran on February 9 fired off a “space launcher” with ballistic missile technology. “Iran cannot carry out activities, including launches, related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons,” according to the statement.

Photo: IRNA