Russia launched an Iranian satellite into orbit on Tuesday after both countries pledged to work together against the West.
According to Russia’s space agency, the remote Khayyam sensing satellite was launched by a Russian Soyuz rocket from southern Kazakhstan and entered orbit successfully. Iran’s space agency also confirmed that it has received the first telemetry data sent from the satellite.
This comes a week after U.S. officials were reportedly concerned that Iran’s satellite could be used by Russia to boost its intelligence capabilities in Ukraine, to which Tehran dismissed and insisted that Iran will have full control over it “from day one.”
Iran said the satellite is designed for scientific research such as radiation and environmental monitoring for agricultural purposes.
Since February, President Vladimir Putin and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been working together against “Western deception.”
Similarly, Tesla CEO Elon Musk sent Starlink terminals into Ukraine last March at the request of Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who has said the broadband internet service “keeps our cities connected and emergency services saving lives.”
“Starlink service is now active in Ukraine,” Musk tweeted about 10 hours after the country’s call for help. “More terminals en route.”
Musk later revealed that he was being threatened by Russian space chief Dmitry Rogozin after giving Ukrainians a hand in their fight against the Russians.
“Elon Musk, thus, is involved in supplying the fascist forces in Ukraine with military communication equipment,” Rogozin’s statement read. “And for this, Elon, you will be held accountable like an adult—no matter how much you’ll play the fool.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in Putin intensifying mobilizing its military reinforcements as the country continues to take losses in the war.
“Reserve battalions can be formed from officers, contractors not yet participating in the war in Ukraine, as well as reservists who were persuaded to sign a short-term contract,” said Conflict Intelligence Team founder Ruslan Leviev.
Russian Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu also added that the country will create 12 new units in its Western Military District amid increased Western military activities in the area.
“We are taking adequate countermeasures. Under these conditions, we are actively improving the combat composition of the troops. By the end of the year, 12 military units and subunits will be formed in the Western Military District,” Shoigu said.
