Reassuring

Speaking after the launch, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki stressed the project was peaceful.

"Iran's satellite technology is for purely peaceful purposes and to meet the needs of the country," Reuters agency quoted Mr Mottaki as saying, on the fringes of an African Union summit in Ethiopia.

So far, so good.

Mr Ahmadinejad said the satellite was launched to spread "monotheism, peace and justice" in the world.

Ruh-roh.