Iran’s government today rejected US allegations that Tehran’s satellite programme has a military dimension, days after the failed launch of its latest satellite.

Quoting Defence Minister Amir Hatami, State news agency IRNA said, the subject of satellite launch vehicles and satellites is a civilian matter.

He said, satellite can be used for defence purposes, but the satellite launcher is a completely non-defensive subject and it is the definite and absolute right of the Iranian nation. He added that there is no prohibition in the world against this satellite programme.

Iran attempted on Sunday to launch a satellite dubbed as the Zafar which means Victory in Farsi but it failed to reach orbit.

Following the launch, Washington yesterday accused Tehran of using satellites as a cover to develop its missile programme.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, the technology involved to launch satellites was virtually identical to the know-how for long-range ballistic missiles.