Iranian Rocket Test Draws Russian Concern

Iran’s test launch of a space rocket increases concerns that Tehran could develop a nuclear weapon, a high-level Russian official said yesterday (see GSN, Feb. 4).

The rocket, which Iran said it tested Monday as part of its space program, resembled the country’s Shahab 3 missile, according to Agence France-Presse.  The Shahab would be able to reach Israeli sites and U.S. bases in the Middle East within 800 to 1,000 miles.

“Any movement on creating a weapon of such potential of course worries others too, and in addition, raises suspicions concerning Iran over its possible desire to create a nuclear weapon,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov.

“A long-range rocket is one of the components of such a weapon complex.  Of course it provokes concern,” he said, according to Interfax and RIA Novosti.

The official’s comments represented a break from past Russian statements, which have frequently challenged assertions by the United States and other Western powers that Iran threatens international security and could be seeking nuclear weapon capability, AFP reported.

Iran has demonstrated it can build a missile able to fly as far as 2,485 miles, said retired Russian strategic missile forces head Gen. Victor Yesin.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if such missiles appear in Iran in the coming years,” Yesin said (Agence France-Presse/Middle East Times, Feb. 6).

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