Russia “concerned” over Iranian rocket launch

Iran Focus: London, Feb. 06 – Russia said on Wednesday that it was “concerned” over Iran’s nuclear intentions following an announcement by Tehran earlier this week that it had carried out a test launch of a rocket into space, Russian state media reported. Iran Focus

London, Feb. 06 – Russia said on Wednesday that it was “concerned” over Iran’s nuclear intentions following an announcement by Tehran earlier this week that it had carried out a test launch of a rocket into space, Russian state media reported.

“Any movements in the area of creating such potential arms, of course make others concerned, and moreover make one suspect that Iran could possibly create nuclear arms”, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov. His remarks were carried by the state news agency Interfax.

Another state news agency, RIA Novosti, quoted him as saying, “Long-range missiles are one of the components of such a [nuclear”> weapons system. Naturally, this raises concern”.

Losyukov said the test demonstrated the advances the Islamic Republic had made in ballistic missile technology that “raise suspicion towards Iran about its possible desire to create a nuclear weapon”.

Iran launched a rocket on Monday which it said was meant to transport a research satellite into orbit next year.

Long-range ballistic missiles are generally designed to deliver nuclear weapons because their payload is too limited for conventional explosives to be efficient. They have a range of 2,500-5,000 kilometres (1,600-3,100 miles).

The White House on Monday called the Iranian launch an “unfortunate” development.