US sends a warning to Iran over plans to launch rockets

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Iran on Thursday to halt all nuclearrelated activities after Tehran announced plans for three rocket launches in coming months.

Iran’s defence ministry said it planned to test space launch vehicles, but these use technology that is virtually identical with that used in ballistic missiles, including in intercontinental ballistic missiles, Mr Pompeo said.

“The United States has continuously cautioned that ballistic missile and SLV launches by the Iranian regime have a destabilising effect on the region and beyond,” Mr Pompeo said.

“The United States will not stand by and watch the Iranian regime’s destructive policies place international stability and security at risk.”

France, Germany and the UK also expressed concern.

“Such actions would once again demonstrate Iran’s defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which calls upon the Iranian regime not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons,” Mr Pompeo said.

The resolution endorsed the 2015 deal between world powers and Iran under which sanctions against Tehran were lifted in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme. Washington pulled out of the deal last year, citing Iran’s missile activity as a factor, and reimposed sanctions.

“We advise the regime to reconsider these provocative launches and cease all activities related to ballistic missiles in order to avoid deeper economic and diplomatic isolation,” Mr Pompeo said.