Excerpts from previous status reports, by subject
Removed on May 21, 2009
Iran lofts satellite into orbit using two-stage missile
In early February 2009, Iran surprised the world by launching a powerful two-stage rocket, the Safir-2, which managed to place a satellite in orbit. The launch marks a milestone in Iran’s quest to field long-range missiles. A rocket that can propel a satellite into orbit can also carry a warhead over great distances. According to Iranian media reports, the Safir-2 is powered by liquid fuel, is 22 meters long and has a diameter of 1.25 meters. This diameter is ample for accommodating a nuclear warhead. However, in this launch, the rocket was carrying only a satellite, the Omid, that reportedly weighs about 25 kg.
No multilateral sanctions on the horizon
In early April 2009, the United States announced that it would participate directly in P5+1 group talks, at which senior diplomats from Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia sit down with Iranian officials to discuss Iran's nuclear program. The announcement was welcomed by all, including British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who noted that “now is not the time to be rushing for more sanctions.” Indeed, since Barack Obama’s election, the momentum behind further U.N Security Council sanctions has effectively collapsed. It has been over one year since the last round of Security Council sanctions -- and countries aren’t even at the stage of considering what could be included in the next round.