Satellite images that have been annotated by experts show work at a launchpad in Iran’s Semnan province The US alleges such satellite launches defy a UN Security Council resolution calling on Iran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons DUBAI: Iran is preparing to launch a satellite into space after three major failures last year, including one rocket that exploded on the ground. Satellite images show work at a launchpad at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan province. Previous activity at the spaceport 230 km southeast of Tehran has signaled an imminent launch in the satellite program, which the US says helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile program. Iran often unveils “technological achievements” for its armed forces, its space program and its nuclear development around the February anniversary of its 1979 revolution. Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran’s information and communications technology minister, said Tehran planned to launch six satellites into orbit this year, including the Zafar 1 and 2. The apparent preparations for a rocket launch come after two failed launches of the Payam and Doosti satellites last year, and a launchpad rocket explosion in August. A separate fire at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in February 2019 also killed three researchers. The US says satellite launches defy a UN Security Council resolution calling on Iran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, a group of Iranian MPs asked parliament on Tuesday to debate Iran’s plan to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the agreement that governs global nuclear arms control. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif threatened last week that they could withdraw from the NPT if European countries referred Iran to the UN Security Council over breaches of the 2015 deal to curb Tehran’s nuclear program.