US concerned over Iran reportedly sending monkey into space

Washington: Expressing concerns over Iran launching a monkey into the space using ballistic missile technology, the US has said the reports, if true, stand as a violation of the UN Security Council resolution.

"If they have launched anything using ballistic missile technology, it's of serious concern," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.

She, however, said she was "not in a position" to confirm whether or not there was any launch.

"I saw the pictures of the poor little monkey preparing to go to space. Broadly we don't have any way to confirm this one way or the other with regard to the primate. But our concern with Iran's development of space launch vehicle technologies are obviously well known," she said.
Noting that a space launch putting an object into orbit indicates towards use of ballistic missile as well as SLV technologies, Ms Nuland said if it is so, the move stands as a violation of the UNSC Resolution 1929 that prohibits Iran from such activities.

"They (technologies used) are all virtually identical and inter-changeable. So just to remind that UNSC Resolution 1929 prohibits Iran from undertaking any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic missile technology," Ms Nuland said.

She said the US will continue to work closely with its partners and allies to address concerns about Iran's missile developments, including by promoting implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions.