PARIS (Reuters – France condemns Iran’s rocket launch. It also said the incident was regrettable, as talks on nuclear issues with world powers continue to progress. This is in line with concerns raised by Germany and the United States.

On Thursday, Iran stated that it launched three space research equipment into orbit using a satellite launch rocket. This comes as U.S. and Iran indirect talks are taking place in Austria to save a 2015 nuclear agreement.

France’s foreign minister stated that the satellite launch violated U.N. Security Council resolutions.

According to the French foreign ministry, “These actions are especially regrettable because they are occurring at a point when we’re making progress in the Vienna nuclear negotiations.”

“We ask Iran not to launch any further ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear weapons.

Iranian state television showed video footage of Thursday’s firing at dawn of the rocket vehicle from Imam Khomeini Space Center, northern Iran.

On Thursday, the U.S. State Department stated that Washington had been informed of the launch and said such launches are in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution.

German diplomats stated that such launches could serve to test the technology of ballistic missiles, which could theoretically be used in delivery of nuclear weapons.

Tehran denies that space launches are used as cover for developing ballistic missiles.

As a result of lifting the sanctions, 2015’s deal increased Iran’s ability to acquire enough fissile matter to build a nuclear bomb. The agreement was extended for at least one year.

Tuesday saw the resumption of indirect talks between Iran, America and Russia regarding the 2015 deal. Washington expressed concern at the upbeat remarks made Tuesday by Iran and Russia regarding the talks. It said that it was too soon for them to determine if Tehran has returned to the negotiations using a constructive approach.