Iran says it launched three "research" satellites into space

Tehran, Iran — Iran announced Thursday that it launched a satellite carrier rocket bearing three "research" devices into space, though it's unclear whether any of the objects entered orbit around Earth.

The state TV report, as well as others by Iran's semiofficial news agencies, didn't say when the launch was conducted. However, the launch comes amid difficult negotiations in Vienna over Iran's tattered nuclear deal.

Previous launches have drawn rebukes from the United States. The U.S. State Department, Space Force and the Pentagon didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.