Ambassador: Iran's rocket test not for military purposes

MOSCOW, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran has no military purposes with its recent rocket test launch, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Gholamreza Ansari said here on Friday.

"We do not pursue military goals within our space research," the diplomat said.

Iran would launch the satellite Hope next month, he said.

"This rocket was fully built in Iran, including the launch installation and other parts," he said.

On Feb. 4, Iran test-fired the Explorer-1 rocket into space, which is designed to launch the Hope space research satellite.

"With them (satellites) we receive more reliable information about climate conditions around Iran," he told a press conference.

"We intend to use the assistance of other countries for further climate research and climate control," Itar-Tass news agency quoted him as saying.

"Russia is our friend, and if necessary, we are ready to give an exhaustive explanation over the missile launch if we feel Russia is anxious," the diplomat said.

Earlier this week, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov expressed concern over Iran's actions.

Russia and other countries are concerned with any move related to the creation of potential weapons on the part of Iran, he said.

Iran's move adds to the common suspicions over the country's possible intention to create nuclear weaponry, a component of which are long-range missiles.

TEHRAN, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran launched its first home-built space research center on Monday in Tehran in presence of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"The launch of the first space research unit would be great stride to serve the mankind and would lead to Iran's exaltation and progress," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. Full story

MOSCOW, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is concerned about Tehran's tests of a Kavosghar-1 (Explorer-1) rocket, launched into space on Monday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov said on Wednesday.

"Any movements in the area of creating such potential arms of course make others concerned, and moreover make one suspect that Iran could possibly create nuclear arms," Losyukov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying. Full story

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United States described on Monday Iran's launching a rocket into space as "unfortunate," which, the White House said, will isolate the Islamic republic from the international community.

"I saw this morning that Iran, again, tested a ballistic missile. It's unfortunate that they continue to do that because it further isolates the country from the rest of the world," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.