UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which approved the conclusion of a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015, does not prohibit Tehran from engaging in space research, including launching satellites, said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, RIA Novosti reported.

Earlier, a representative of the French Foreign Ministry condemned Iran's launch of the Simurg space rocket, which was supposed to deliver three research cargoes into orbit. Paris said the launch was inconsistent with UNSCR 2231 and also expressed regret that the launch of the satellite did not coincide with efforts being made to progress negotiations on Iran's nuclear program in Vienna.

Contrary to the statements of Western countries, not a single resolution prohibits Iran from conducting its space research and related test programs, including in the field of satellites and launch vehicles, Saeed Khatibzadeh noted.

On Monday, the eighth round of talks kicked off in Vienna on the renewal of the JCPOA and the lifting of Washington's sanctions against Tehran. During the seventh round, in December, the parties reached an agreement on two draft agreements, in which the European side also included Iran's positions. On Thursday, Vienna talks were suspended due to the upcoming New Year holidays. The dialogue of the parties will resume on January 4.