Successful Russian rocket launch carries Iranian satellites, showcasing growing Moscow-Tehran cooperation in space exploration.

A Russian rocket will launch two privately built Iranian satellites into orbit early Tuesday, the Iranian embassy in Moscow said, hailing close space cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.

The Iranian satellite launch comes after Russia and Iran have expanded ties in various spheres amid threats from the West. Russia is seeking support from Iran to strengthen its position in the war against Ukraine, while Tehran is also looking for support from Moscow amid tension with Israel.

Development of Kowsar, an imaging satellite, and Hodhod, a communications satellite, is first substantial effort by Iran's private space sector