Iran’s latest space launch is yet another glaring warning about the sinister ambitions of the mullahs in Tehran. Launching their heaviest-ever rocket, the Simorgh, into space isn’t about exploring the final frontier. It’s about flexing their technological muscles to perfect a ballistic missile program that could someday carry a nuclear payload. And let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t a science fair project; this is about global intimidation.
The timing is no coincidence. Just as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that Iran has drastically increased its stockpiles of enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade purity, Tehran decided to show off its space capabilities. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, has repeatedly warned about Iran’s advancements, which should have the free world on high alert.
This isn’t just about satellites or harmless research. The Simorgh rocket reportedly carried a military satellite, Fakhr-1, marking the first time Iran’s “civilian” space program has transported military hardware. Let’s call it what it is: a thinly veiled excuse to advance their ballistic missile program under the guise of peaceful exploration. Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies nailed it when he said Iran is using its liquid and solid propellant programs to cut the time it would take to produce long-range missiles.
Iran’s violations of U.N. bans and its defiance of international norms have been a hallmark of its regime. The Obama-Biden era’s soft diplomacy gave Tehran the breathing room to advance its capabilities under the flawed Iran Nuclear Agreement, which Trump rightly pulled the U.S. out of in 2018. That deal was a charade, and the U.S.’s withdrawal exposed the futility of negotiating with a regime that sees diplomacy as a stalling tactic.
Under the Biden administration, the White House has largely turned a blind eye to Iran’s provocations, preferring platitudes about diplomacy over concrete action. Trump, however, made it clear that America would not tolerate Tehran’s ambitions, showing strength that kept Iran’s aggression in check. Now, as Biden stumbles and Iran inches closer to nuclear capability, the world can only hope for a return to leadership that prioritizes America’s safety and the stability of the Middle East.
The Islamic Republic’s reckless behavior—supporting terrorist groups, aiding Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, and threatening Israel—demands a strong and unwavering response. The question isn’t if Iran will push for nuclear weapons but when. With Trump poised to take office again, you can bet Tehran’s days of unchecked belligerence are numbered.
