(C) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty This story was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Iran’s Soraya satellite launch: E3 joint statement [1] [] Date: 2024-01 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.” Media enquiries Email: newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk Telephone: 020 7008 3100 Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/irans-soraya-satellite-launch-e3-joint-statement Published and (C) by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Content appears here under this condition or license: By permission of RFE/RL. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/rferl/