Iran successfully tested a Kheibar ballistic missile for the first time with a range of 2,000 km, apparently to intimidate Israel.
Iran’s state media announced on May 25 that the country had successfully test-fired a Kheibar liquid-fueled ballistic missile, an upgraded version of the Khoramshahr 4 series, with a range of around 2,000 km and carrying a conventional warhead, weighing 1,500 kg. .
“The Kheibar domestic missile has many notable characteristics, such as very short preparation and ready launch time, allowing it to carry out tactical and strategic missions,” the IRNA news agency said, adding that Kheibar’s range of fire allowed it to reach all levels. . American and Israeli base in the region.
The Kheibar rocket leaves the launch pad in an image released on May 25. Photo: Reuters
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani said the missile test was “a message to Iran’s friends and enemies”, showing Tehran’s readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty and achievements, as well as contributing to the stability, zone and deter opponents.
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Iran’s ballistic missile development was a “serious threat to regional and global security”, calling it an “unbelievable challenge”. small with anti-proliferation efforts”.
The news comes two days after Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi left open the possibility of military action against Iran’s nuclear program.
The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said last year that Iran has a very large missile development program, with a continually increasing scale and level of sophistication. According to the DIA, Iran’s missile force is “the largest in the Middle East”, despite decades of Western containment efforts.
An unnamed US intelligence official later revealed that this assessment was made when compared with the missile potential of Israel, the country with the leading defense in the region.
Range of missiles that Iran has. Graphics: Washington Post
Iran does not recognize the state of Israel, it always supports armed organizations against it and regularly threatens Israel. On the contrary, Tel Aviv also regards Tehran as the existential threat and the greatest threat to the country’s future, and has repeatedly bombed the installations of pro-Iranian militias in Syria.
Iran-Israel tensions have recently continued to rise over Tehran’s nuclear program. Israeli officials say Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons, which Tehran openly denies. Israel has long threatened to launch military action against Iran if talks between Tehran and Washington fail to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
Vu Anh (According to IRNA, Reuters)
