Iranian officials continue to state that its February 25, 2007 launch of a 'space rocket' to a height of about 150 kilometers (90 miles) above the Earth was for peaceful purposes. In fact, according to Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi, the director of its Space Research Center, Ali Akbar Golrou, is quoted to have said, “The launch of the rocket was aimed at improving science and research for university students.”

However, many military experts are considering the range of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile—which is less than or equal to 2,010 kilometers (1,250 miles), thus, allowing it to reach many countries within the Middle East—as a military concern and, thus, an international concern for all countries.

For additional information about the Shahab-3 rocket, read the ITwire article “Iran announces it has launched a payload-carrying rocket into space”.

Representatives of the United Nation’s Security Council (its five permanent member countries of the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia) and Germany were currently deciding on how to respond to Iran’s action in space. This consideration is even more serious considering Iran’s recent nuclear program that has been covered within the world news of late.

As of this date, representatives of these six countries have indicated that a wide range of possible actions could be taken against Iran—not dismissing even the use of force if necessary. U.S. vice president Richard Cheney has indicated that military strikes are possible; however, the United States continues to publicly state that no such actions are planned against Iran.

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China  Government  Military  Research  Science  Space  William Atkins