Iran rocket claim raises tension
Iranian media say the country has successfully launched its first rocket capable of reaching space.
But officials later said it was for research and would not go into orbit.
Experts say if Iran has fired a rocket into space it would cause alarm abroad as it would mean scientists had crossed important technological barriers.
Iran has made little secret of its desire to become a space power and already has a satellite in orbit launched by the Russians.
The latest launch - if confirmed - comes at a time of mounting tension between Tehran and the West over Iran's controversial nuclear programme.
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are due to meet on Monday to discuss the possibility of more sanctions over the nuclear issue.
On Sunday, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered another defiant speech insisting there is no going back on Iran's nuclear programme.
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