Russia sent three Iranian communications satellites into orbit on Sunday, as part of the space collaboration between the two US-sanctioned countries, according to Reuters.
This marked the second launch since July when a Russian rocket sent Iranian communications satellite Nahid-2 into orbit.
In recent years, Iran has been significantly depending on its ally Russia to put satellites in orbit.
The latest three were designed to help with monitoring agriculture, natural resources and the environment, providing up to 3-meter resolution images.
Defying Sanctions
“These satellites were designed and produced by Iranian scientists … despite all the sanctions and threats,” Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali told state TV.
On September 28, the E3_ Britain, France, and Germany_ reimposed sanctions on Tehran after they claimed that Iran has violated a 2015 deal that aimed at halting it from developing a nuclear weapon.
“We are working together (with Russia) in different areas. Some are evident and some we don’t like to clarify,” Jalali said.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency said the three satellites – Paya, Zafar 2, and a second Kowsar – were for low-earth orbit.
Tehran and Moscow have unfolded a new era of strong collaboration since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
As a result, Western countries accused Iran of equipping Russia with missiles and drones, a claim that has been repeatedly denied by Tehran.
Nuclear Cooperation
In September, both countries also signed a $25 billion deal to establish nuclear power plants in Iran.
The deal featured the establishment of four nuclear power plants in the Kuhestak district of Sirik region in Hormozgan Province on a 500-hectare plot of land. Each plant will have a capacity of 1,255 megawatts, though no details were provided on the timeline.
Related Topics:
Iranian FM to Visit Russia, Belarus This Week
Russia Denies Backing Iran’s Zero Enrichment Nuclear Deal
Russia ‘Condemns, Regrets’ US Strikes on Iran
