Iran launches satellite

State television showed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announcing the launch of the satellite, which Tehran says is designed for research and telecommunications purposes. The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit can also be used for launching weapons, although Iran says it has no plans to do so. The launch comes as Western powers prepare to meet this week for the first time since the new US president took office to discuss the conflict with Iran over its nuclear programme. The Obama administration has signalled that it will pursue direct talks with Tehran, but has also warned Iran to expect more pressure if it does not meet the U.N. Security Council demand to halt uranium enrichment.

Reuters | February 3, 2009

Tags:. .telecommunications. .enrichment. .tehran. .iranian. .halt