Iranian satellite launch fails due to technical issues - official

An Iranian rocket exploded on its launch pad at Imam Khomeini Space Centre in northern Iran before its scheduled launch on Thursday. The launch was due to have taken place despite U.S. warnings to Iran that it should avoid such activity. Footage showed a black plume of smoke rising above a launch pad in the centre. Iranian official said the failure was a result of "some technical issues" and that "young scientists are working to fix the problem".

He gave no further details. The United States, Iran's long time foe, fears long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads. Tehran denies the U.S. accusation that such activity is a cover for ballistic missile development.