Iran confirms launch of monkey into space

Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed on Monday that Iran successfully launched a monkey into space, fueling Western concerns that Teheran plans to develop long-range missiles.

Images broadcast on Iranian state television showed a small, gray-tufted monkey wearing body protection being strapped tightly into a pod that resembled an infant's car seat.

Vahidi's announcement on state television said the rocket carrying the monkey went 120 km into orbit.