The satellites, including the Mahda, Kayhan 2, and Hatef, mark a significant achievement for Iran's space program

In a milestone for its space program, Iran has successfully launched three satellites into orbit, as reported by state TV. The satellites, carried by the two-stage Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite carrier, were placed in a minimum orbit of 450 kilometres (280 miles).

The Mahda satellite, developed by Iran's Space Agency and weighing approximately 32 kilograms, is designed to test advanced satellite subsystems, according to the official IRNA news agency. The other two satellites, Kayhan 2 and Hatef, each weighing under 10 kilograms, have specific purposes related to testing space-based positioning technology and narrowband communication.

This achievement comes on the heels of last week's launch of the Soraya research satellite by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a move condemned by Britain, France, and Germany in a joint statement. Iran rejected the criticism, dismissing it as "interventionist."

Western governments, including the United States, have consistently cautioned Iran against such launches, expressing concerns that the technology used can be adapted for ballistic missiles, potentially with nuclear warhead capabilities. Iran, however, maintains that its space and rocket launches are solely for civil or defense purposes and denies any intent to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran's success in space endeavors has faced challenges in the past, with several satellite launch failures. Notably, the launch of its first military satellite, Nour-1, in April 2020 drew sharp criticism from the United States.

The geopolitical context includes Iran's ongoing struggle with crippling U.S. sanctions imposed since the 2018 withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear deal. The deal, which aimed to curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, has been a point of contention between the two nations.

Despite the criticisms and geopolitical tensions, Iran remains steadfast in its assertion that its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, emphasizing a commitment to civil and defense purposes.