Following the failed Iranian attempt to launch a satellite into orbit, and despite ongoing warnings by both the United States and European Union, the Iranian Defense Minister, Brigadier Amir Khatami, announced Tehran’s decision “to accelerate the launch of a new homemade satellite.” According to the Iranian top defense official, the Islamic Republic will be ready to attempt the additional launch before the 11th of February. Minister Khatami stressed that Iran maintains a capacity to (domestically) produce, launch and protect its new satellite.” The last statement came as Iranian authorities are investigating the possibility that the United States was behind Tehran’s failed attempt to launch a similar satellite on the 15th of January.
