Context: Recently, Iran has launched its first military satellite called Noor (meaning light) into orbit.

About Noor

• It is Iran's first Military Satellite into the orbit.
• The satellite was launched from three-stage carrier Ghased and was placed in 425-km orbit.
• 22nd April incidentally marks the Foundation day of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
• This was a successful launch after months of failures. However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the launch of the satellite.
• Concern: Despite the fact that Iran has been one of the worst-affected in terms of the Covid-19 cases, it has been engaged in serious strategic competition heightening the tensions in the region.
• The launch comes amid tensions between Tehran and Washington over its collapsing nuclear deal and after a U.S. drone strike killed Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in January.
• But US has said Iran had violated a UN resolution and needed “to be held accountable”.
• Also, US has warned that the technology used to launch satellites could help Iran develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).