Iran's satellite launch fails due to technical issues

An Iranian rocket exploded on its launch pad at Imam Khomeini Space Center in Iran before its scheduled launch, an Iranian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The launch was due to have taken place despite U.S. warnings to Iran that it should avoid such activity.

"It was due to some technical issues and it exploded but our young scientists are working to fix the problem," Reuters cited the Iranian official as saying.

A U.S. official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, also said that Iran suffered a satellite launch failure.