Iran's missile programme is a multi-layered threat: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen Net
27 May 2023 19:22
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A report by the Israeli Jerusalem Post examines Iran's weapons arsenal as the media outlet expresses fears regarding the continuous development of Iranian weapons systems after the introduction of the Kharamashahr-4 precision missile on May 25.

Iran's Khorramshahr-4 long-range ballistic missile is unveiled in Tehran, Iran, May 25 2023 (Reuters)

Iran's unveiling of the Khorramshahr-4 long-range ballistic missile adds to the "plethora of options when it comes to fielding weapons that can threaten Israel, the US," the Israeli Jerusalem Post claimed on Saturday.

In its report, the Israeli newspaper said that Iran has been "developing missiles since the 1980s, and today the country continues to increase the range and precision of its missiles," as the latest version of Khorramshahr-4 — a high precision self-guided missile that boasts a range of 2000km when armed with a payload of 1500kg — has alerted "Israel" and Western governments.

In its lengthy report, the Jerusalem Post voiced out Israeli worries regarding the various missiles and weapons systems that Iran holds in its arsenal as well as continued work on "missiles that can launch satellites and it is working on cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions," which Iran produces locally through its defense and aerospace institutions.

The Israeli media outlet pointed to a report from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies that examined Iran's missile arsenal including medium-ranged "Emad, Ghadr-1, Khorromashahr, Sejil, and Shahab 3 as well as short-range ballistic missiles Zolfaghar, Tondar-69, Shahab-2, Shahab-1, Qiam-1, Fateh-110 and Fateh-313."

When compared to other models the new Khorramashahr-4 missiles hold the longest range as the Emad and Ghadr models hold a range of 1700 km and 1950 km respectively while other satellite-carrying missiles were able to record a range of 500 km in vertical ascension.

The Jerusalem Post also examined previous missile operations in Iraq and Syria in which the country utilized its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in synergy with its ballistic missiles to assess the effects of the missiles on their targets.

Furthermore, the Israeli media outlet described Iran's missile program as a "multi-layered threat" as the country builds up its defense capabilities while also sharing its knowledge and technology with a variety of its allies in the West Asia region.

"Iran also seeks to build more complex missiles, either using different types of fuel or investing in cruise missiles, maneuvering munitions, and also greater precision. Iran also seeks to use missiles and drones in concert in its attacks," The Jerusalem Post claimed.

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani was present at the unveiling of the Khorramshahr-4 on Thursday at a ceremony commemorating the 41st anniversary of the liberation of the southwestern city of Khorramshahr. The missile is powered by an engine integrated into its fuel tank which cuts the weapon's length to 13 meters.

Later that day, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Iran's development and proliferation of ballistic missiles is a major danger to regional and international security. France also alleged that the measure violated the UN resolution that approved the nuclear accord in 2015.

Iranian officials have long said that the country's military capabilities are solely for defense and that its missile program will never be discussed. The presentation of Iran's Khorramshahr-4 missile represents a significant improvement in Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, demonstrating the country's resolve to improve its defense and deterrent capacity.