The UK, France and Germany have issued a joint statement in
response to Iran's satellite launch using the Ghaem-100 space
launch vehicle on 20 January 2024.
E3 statement on Iranian Soraya satellite launch announcement:
“On 20 January Iran announced the launch of the Soraya satellite
using the Ghaem-100 Space Launch Vehicle (SLV). We condemn this
launch, as this SLV uses technology essential for the
development of a long-range ballistic missile system. Iran
continues to develop its missile programme despite repeated
international calls to halt it, and after years of disregarding
UN restrictions.
“Launches such as these allow Iran to test technology that could
be used to further develop its ballistic missile programme, which
poses a significant threat to regional and international
security. We have longstanding concerns over Iran’s activity
related to ballistic missile technologies that are capable of
delivering nuclear weapons. These concerns are reinforced by
Iran’s continued nuclear escalation beyond all credible civilian
justification.
“The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom remain
committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from
developing nuclear weapons and to hold Iran to account for its
destabilising activity in the region and internationally.”
