Iran’s launch of ‘satellite rocket’ hailed a success

Iran has successfully launched a satellite-carrying rocket into space, according to the country’s state media.

Iranian state television described the launch as involving a “Simorgh” rocket that is capable of carrying a satellite weighing 250kg.

The state media report did not elaborate on the rocket’s payload.

The website YJC.IR, which is affiliated with Iranian state television, as well as the semi-official Fars news agency, also reported the launch yesterday, saying it was successful.

The launch comes as the United States has criticised Iran’s ballistic missile tests.

Such tests are allowed under the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran struck with world powers.

However, American officials argue that they violate the spirit of the accord.