MAHDASHT, Iran >> Iranian officials are giving journalists working for international media their first look inside a control center for the Islamic Republic’s ambitious space program.

Wednesday’s tour of the Alborz Station appears to be part of efforts to show Iran’s willingness to allow access to some sensitive facilities as it faces pressure to open nuclear sites to wide-ranging U.N. inspections.

The media trip also is seen as a way to showcase Iran’s space program. Iran says it launched its latest satellite into orbit earlier this month.

Space agency officials say the site has no military links, and is only used to control satellites and conduct other scientific work. It’s located about 40 miles (70 kilometers) west of Tehran.