Iran Launches Three Satellites With Russian Rocket

Iran successfully placed three satellites into orbit on Thursday using a Russian Soyuz rocket. The launch is the latest sign of deepening technological cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. The satellites include one for research and two for test-imaging. They were launched from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome. Western nations have repeatedly criticized this space partnership. They warn that the same long-range rocket technology used for satellite launches can also be used to develop ballistic missiles. Both Iran and Russia face extensive international sanctions. Their expanding alliance in space is viewed by analysts as a move to bypass Western isolation and combine technical resources.