China launched 18 satellites into space on Tuesday aboard a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province at 19:06 Beijing Time.
The launch marks the 539th successful flight mission for the Long March carrier rocket series.
The 18 satellites, which have entered their preset orbit, are the second group of its kind to shape China's "Qianfan Constellation". The plan, also known as the "G60 Constellation", is to build a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) multimedia satellites.
Under the "Qianfan Constellation" plan, a network of more than 10,000 LEOs will be deployed by 2030, to bring expanded coverage, and faster and lower-cost services.
China successfully launches another 18-satellite group for Qianfan Constellation
China successfully launches another 18-satellite group for Qianfan Constellation
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
