Express. Iran "launches monkey into space"

Iran has claimed it sent a monkey into space in what it described as another step toward the goal of manned space flight.

State media said the monkey was sent 70 miles up in a Pishtam, or Explorer, rocket. It gave no other details on the timing or location of the launch, but said the monkey returned safely.

Iran has said it seeks to send an astronaut into space as part of its ambitious aerospace program. In 2010, Iran said it launched a rocket into space carrying a mouse, turtle and worms.

The US and its allies worry that technology from the space programme could also be used to develop long-range missiles that could potentially be armed with nuclear warheads.