Special report: Iran Nuclear Crisis 

    TEHRAN, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Sunday successfully launched its first rocket into space with the purpose of research, the state-run television reported.

    Mohsen Bahrami, the head of Iran's aerospace research center, was quoted as saying by the TV that "the first space rocket has been successfully launched into space", adding "materials created by the Science and Technology and Defense ministries for research use was on the rocket."

    Bahrami did not give more details about the range or nature of the rocket and its cargo, only said that the test was in line with international regulations.

    A top Iranian lawmaker last month had said Iran would soon test-launch its rocket into space, and disclosed that the country wanted to launch more home-made satellites with commercial purpose. Iran in 2005 has launched its first satellite, named Sina-1, in a joint program with Russia, which was described by press as for research and telecommunications usage.

    Iran's Sunday launch of rocket came at a time of escalating tensions between Tehran and the West as Iran refused to heed the UN Security Council's Feb. 21 deadline to stop its uranium enrichment activities. The U.S.-led West are pressing for wider sanctions on Tehran.

    The U.S., along with some other Western countries, has been accusing Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons under civilian cover. Tehran has rejected such allegations, insisting on its "inalienable right" for peaceful nuclear energy.