Iran successfully tested a ballistic missile with a possible range of 2,000 kilometres on Thursday, according to state media, two days after Israel’s military leader raised the risk of “action” against Tehran over its nuclear programme.
Iran, which has one of the most extensive missile programmes in the Middle East, claims that its warheads can reach the bases of arch-foes Israel and the United States in the area.
Despite concerns from the United States and Europe, the Islamic Republic has stated that it will continue to develop its “defensive” missile development.
“We want our enemies to know that we will defend the country and its achievements.” “Our message to our friends is that we want to contribute to regional stability,” stated Iran’s Defence Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani.
State TV broadcast a few seconds of footage of what it said was the launch of an upgraded version of Iran’s Khoramshahr 4 ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,243 miles) and the ability to carry a 1,500 kg (3,300 pound) warhead.
The state news agency IRNA said the liquid-fuel missile had been named the “Kheibar”, a reference to a Jewish castle overrun by Muslim warriors in the early days of Islam.
“The domestically built Kheibar missile’s outstanding features include quick preparation and launch time, which makes it a tactical weapon in addition to a strategic one,” it said.
Israel, which the Islamic Republic does not recognise, sees them as an existential threat. Iran says its ballistic missiles are an important deterrent and retaliatory force against the United States, Israel, and other potential regional adversaries.
An Israeli military spokesperson said the military does not comment on such matters.
On Tuesday, the top Israeli general mooted possible military action against Iran as efforts by six world powers to revive Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal have stalled since last September amid growing Western fears about Tehran’s accelerating nuclear advances.
The deal, which Washington ditched in 2018, imposed curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities that extended the time Tehran would need to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb if it chose to do so. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
