US calls on Iran to halt space launches that defy UN resolution

A picture obtained on December 14, 2013 from Iran’s ISNA news agency allegedly shows the launch of the Pajohesh (research) rocket [AFP/Getty Images]

The US State Department said on Thursday it was aware of reports of a failed Iranian attempt to launch a satellite into space last month and it called on Tehran to halt activities that violate UN resolutions, Reuters reports.

“I’ve seen the reports, and it failed, correct?” State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told a news briefing, his first since the start of the year.

“We continue to call upon the Iranian regime to cease immediately all activities that are inconsistent with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, including space vehicle launches,” Palladino said. Iran has indicated it will be ready for another launch in a few months.

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