IRAN
Poking the Bear
Iran tested a new rocket this week that could be used in its missile programs, a move aimed at raising the stakes for the new US president, Joe Biden, ahead of potential negotiations over a new nuclear deal, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The new rocket, Zuljanah, features a solid-fuel-propelled motor – the largest yet exhibited by Iran, which is also a major component used in developing intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The Zuljanah was developed under a government-run program to send civilian satellites into orbit 310 miles above ground, with officials stressing that Monday’s rocket launch was developed for civilian use.
Analyst Fabian Hinz, however, said that the motor could be used for military application. He added that Iran is trying to gain leverage and discourage any US attempts to curtail its conventional-missile program until negotiations start.
Iran has been slowly breaching key provisions of the nuclear accord over the past 18 months, as it sought relief from US sanctions: These were reimposed by former President Donald Trump in 2018 after he withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal.
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