Iran: We've sent a monkey to space

TEHRAN, Iran Iranian state TV says the country has successfully sent a monkey into space in what's described as another step toward Tehran's goal of a manned space flight.

Monday's report said the monkey was sent up in a Pishtam, or Explorer, rocket to a height of 72 miles. It gave no other details on the timing or location of the launch, but said the monkey returned safely.

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