Q: Do you have any comment on Iran's announcement that it launched a space-launch vehicle yesterday?
A: Iran announced that it went ahead with the launch of a space-launch vehicle on December 30. France condemns this action, which is counter to UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
Security Council Resolution 2231 calls on Iran to refrain from carrying out activities, including launches, related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Because of the great similarity of technologies used for space launches and ballistic missiles, this launch directly contributes to the already troubling progress made by Iran on its ballistic missile program. The Defense Ministry's role in this launch illustrates the close connection between these two programs.
In addition, this launch comes on the heels of the ballistic missile launch on December 24, which was already counter to UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
These activities are all the more regrettable in that they come at a time when we are making progress in the nuclear negotiations in Vienna.
The Iranian ballistic missile program is a source of concern for the international community, including Iran's neighbors and France. We call on Iran to refrain from further launches of ballistic missiles, including space-launch vehicles, designed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and urge it to comply with its obligations under all of relevant Security Council resolutions, including those concerning weapons transfers and transfers of sensitive technologies.