Iran's launch of a satellite carrier rocket failed to put its three payloads into orbit, a defence ministry spokesman said in remarks reported on state television on Friday.
According to the ministry, the rocket was unable to reach the required speed. Iran’s launch on Thursday was widely condemned by western countries engaged in nuclear talks with Tehran.
They are concerned such activities could be used as a cover to develop Iran's ability to launch a ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead.
France condemned the rocket launch, calling it "all the more regrettable".
"Due to the close proximity of the technologies used for space launches and ballistic fire, this launch directly contributes to Iran's already worrying progress in its ballistic missile program. The role of the Ministry of Defense in this launch bears witness to the close link between these two programs," France’s foreign ministry said in a press release.
"This launch also follows the firing of ballistic missiles on December 24."
UN Security Council Resolution 2231 "calls on Iran not to carry out activities related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons," the ministry added.
