While launching its military satellite on April 22, Iran used technologies obtained as a result of the ballistic missile program, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement released by the US Department of State on Saturday.

Axar.az reports citing Russian media.

According to the US foreign policy chief, Iran’s "satellite launch vehicle and others launched before it incorporate technologies identical to, and interchangeable with, ballistic missiles, including longer-range systems such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)."

"No country has ever pursued an ICBM capability except for the purpose of delivering nuclear weapons," he said.

According to Pompeo, Tehran’s space program "is neither peaceful nor entirely civilian," and the recent satellite launch was a yet another proof of this.

He called upon the international community to prevent Iran from continuing its ballistic missile program.

The US secretary of State also called upon the UN Security Council to extend the existing arms embargo on Iran, which expires in October.

"We also call on the European Union to sanction those individuals and entities working on Iran’s missile programs," he said.