Russia–Iran Relations

Iran announced that three domestically designed satellites were placed into orbit aboard a Russian rocket launched from eastern Russia, in what Iranian and Western reports say is the seventh Iranian satellite launch with Russian assistance, underscoring deepening Moscow–Tehran space and military cooperation under Western sanctions. Iranian officials say the satellites are for civilian uses such as environmental monitoring and agriculture, while U.S. and allied governments have long warned that Iran’s space program can support ballistic‑missile technology, and the launch comes as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warns of a 'harsh and discouraging' response to any renewed U.S. strikes following President Donald Trump’s threats over nuclear reconstitution.