Iran Launches Rocket With Largest-Ever Payload Into Space

Iran said on Friday it launched its heaviest-ever payload into space using its Simorgh carrier rocket.

• The payload weighed about 660 pounds and contained a telecommunications satellite and an advanced module for transferring satellites to higher-altitude orbits.

Iranian state television said the module and satellite were successfully placed in orbit.

Nuclear concerns: Governments in the United States, Israel and Europe have warned that the same technology Iran uses to launch satellites can be used to launch ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads.

The rocket launch comes alongside a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (iaea) that Iran is “dramatically” increasing its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium. Iran’s production is expected to jump to more than 75 pounds per month, compared to the current 10.3 pounds, the iaea chief said.

Coming clash: Bible prophecy warns that Iran’s provocative moves and pursuit of nuclear weapons will lead to a clash with the West. To learn about this in detail, read our Trends article “Why the Trumpet Watches Iran’s Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons.”