Iran rejects US warning against space launches, ballistic missiles

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif rejected a US warning against carrying out space vehicle launches and missile tests, saying on Thursday they did not violate a UN resolution.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a pre-emptive warning to Iran earlier on Thursday against pursuing three planned space rocket launches that it said would violate a UN Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology.

READ: Iran says it will continue missile tests after US allegation

Zarif wrote in English on Twitter:

Iran’s launch of space vehicles— & missile tests—are NOT in violation of Res 2231. The US is in material breach of same, & as such it is in no position to lecture anyone on it.
Reminder to the US:
1. Res 1929 is dead;
2. threats engender threats, while civility begets civility. pic.twitter.com/9niN852Jii

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 3, 2019