It is no secret that Iran wants relief from the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. Numerous press outlets have reported on the wailings of the theocratic regime. One could understand why they want them gone. Iran has become increasingly unstable since they have gone into effect. The oil industry was in a death spiral until the election of President Biden. Since then they have boosted production in anticipation of the sanctions being lifted.

To make sure they stay on the new administration’s radar, Iran is conducting military tests. They are specifically showcasing new solid fuel rockets that can put payloads into orbit. From AMN:

The launch was aired on Iranian state TV on Monday. The rocket, named Zol Janah, is believed to reach a height of 310 miles, according to the Associated Press. In addition, the satellite carrier is 25.5 meters long and weighs 52 tons. The rocket did not launch a satellite into orbit.

According to Ahmad Hosseini, spokesperson for the country’s Defense Ministry’s space department, the rocket is capable of launching a single 220-kilogram satellite or up to 10 smaller ones, to the altitude of 500 kilometers [310 miles].

The purpose of these tests could not be more clear. It is a pretty thinly veiled threat. Mentioning that it could put one big payload, or ten smaller ones, into orbit is a reference to a MIRV (Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle). The fact that the missile uses solid fuel means they are cheaper and easier to make.

They want the United States to know that they are still making weapons while the administration dithers.