politics
March 23, 2026
Iran May Have Used Satellite Launch System to Increase Missile Range
Iranians may have used a space satellite launch system to extend the range of their ballistic missiles when they targeted the US-British base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, which is about 3,800 kilometers from Iran, US officials said today.
TL;DR
- US officials believe Iran may have used a satellite launch system (Simorgh) to increase the range of ballistic missiles.
- The missiles were targeted at the US-British base Diego Garcia, approximately 3,800 km from Iran.
- This potential use marks a significant capability advancement for Iran, extending its reach beyond the Middle East.
- Experts suggest using a space launch system for ballistic missiles might compromise accuracy.
- The launches are seen by some as a defiant response to US President Donald Trump's statements about the Iranian military.
- Iran previously announced a successful space launch using the Simorgh system in early December 2024.
- The missiles fired at Diego Garcia were medium-range ballistic missiles, and neither hit the base.
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