MANAMA, Bahrain — On Friday, Iran announced that it had successfully executed a space launch, marking another development in its space program that Western nations claim enhances Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities.

The launch was carried out utilizing Iran’s Simorgh program, which involves a rocket designed to carry satellites into orbit. This particular program has experienced multiple setbacks with prior failed launches. The event occurred at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport, located in the Semnan province of rural Iran.

At this time, there has been no immediate verification from independent sources confirming the success of the launch.

This announcement arrives amid escalating tensions in the broader Middle East, particularly in relation to Israel’s ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as well as the fragile ceasefire currently in place in Lebanon.