An Iranian rocket that was to conduct a satellite launch reportedly exploded on its launch p at Imam Khomeini Centre in rrn Iran before its scheduled launch on August 29. launch was criticised by US for allegedly being related to Iran's illicit nuke programme. This marked third launch failure of 2019 for Islamic Republic. Iranian state media did t ackwledge incident at Iran's Semnan province immediately, an official on August 30 also tweeted claiming that satellite Tehran planned to launch was safe in a lab.

Satellite ims released by Planet Labs Inc. showed a black plume of smoke rising above a launchp, with what appeared to be charred remains of a rocket and its launch stand. David Schmerler, a senior research associate at Middlebury Institute of International Studies said that ims of centre suggested that rocket could have exploded during ignition or possibly briefly lifted off before crashing back down on p. Water ruff from p was likely from trying to extinguish blaze.

“Whatever happened re, it blew up and you’re looking at smouldering remains of what used to be re,” David Schmerler, a senior research associate at Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told Associated Press.

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Unsuccessful launches by Iran

exact of rocket that failed on August 29 is unclear. circular p previously h been used to launch a of two-st, liquid-fueled rocket kwn as 'Safir', which was relatively small and could carry one small satellite into orbit. Earlier this month, Iran also claimed one such satellite, kwn as 'Nahid-1', was rey to be launched.

As informed by Iran's Information and Communication Techlogy Minister Mohamm Jav Azari Jahromi, 'Nahid-1' is a telecommunication satellite. It is reportedly Iran's first foldable solar panel which is supposed to be in a low orbit around Earth for some two-and-a-half months. Minister Jahromi did t discuss apparent rocket explosion but asserted Nahid-1 was safe.

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"Apparently, some reports say third attempt for putting a satellite into orbit has been unsuccessful," Minister wrote. "Nahid-1 is fine, indeed. It is w in a laboratory and reporters can come and see it."

Iran also suffered failed launches of 'Payam' in January and 'Doosti' in February. Tehran planned three launches in year 2019, two for satellites that do remote-sensing work and ar that handles communications. January launch involved a Simorgh rocket whereas February one employed a different booster, ' Safir'.

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US opposes Iran

US alleges that such launches defy U.N. Security Council resolution calling on Iran to undertake activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran claims that it does t seek nuclear weapons and its satellite launches and rocket tests do t have a military component. Tehran also says it doesn't violate U.N. as it only "called upon" Tehran t to conduct such tests. Tensions have been high between both countries since President Trump unilaterally withdrew US from Iran's nuclear deal over a year ago and imposed sanctions, including on Iran's oil industry. Iran began to break accord itself by trying to push Europe to help it sell oil abro. 

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(Inputs from AP)