TEHRAN — Iran has fired a satellite into orbit and a shot across the bow of American diplomacy.

Its first orbital launching, announced Tuesday, coincided with celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and raised concerns in the United States and other countries about Iran’s potential use of long-range missiles to send warheads halfway around the globe.

The rocket apparently went up late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Weapons experts agreed that the act was mainly a symbolic accomplishment because the satellite was very small. Launching a heavy warhead intercontinental distances would require a far more powerful missile.

The launching comes as President Obama has struck a conciliatory tone toward Tehran, suggesting that he will move toward dialogue after years of tensions. Even so, he may take a tough line in the coming months and could seek to tighten sanctions against Iran.

In using its own rocket to launch the satellite, Iran joined eight other nations that have used their own technologies to send objects into orbit. Amateur observers have already spotted the bright craft in the night sky.