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Iran claims new missiles tested ahead of nuclear talks
Iranian leaders yesterday lauded the apparent successful testing of two new long-range ballistic missiles. The announcement came a week ahead of talks between Tehran and the international community over a long-term resolution to Iran’s nuclear development.
According to official Iranian news agency IRNA, Defence Minister Hossein Dehgan said that a “new generation of long-range ground-to-ground ballistic missile … and the laser-guided air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missile” had been “successfully test-fired.” He added that these missiles have “the capability of destroying massive targets and destroying multiple targets.”Reuters’ report says analysts have claimed Iran often exaggerates its military capability. Nonetheless, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani sent a congratulatory message, saying, “Iran’s children successfully test-fired a new generation of missiles.”
In response, US Pentagon spokesperson, Adm. John Kirby said that, “Iran’s missile program continues to pose a dangerous threat to region, and is an issue we monitor closely.” Over the weekend, Iranian navy Adm. Afshin Rezayee Haddad told the Fars news agency that, “Iran’s military fleet is approaching the United States’ maritime borders, and this move has a message.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, Iranian state television aired a documentary called “The Nightmare of Vultures” which depicted an Iranian response to a theoretical attack on its nuclear facilities. The programme showed Iranian missiles and drones attacking US military targets and various sites in Israel including central Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion International Airport and the Technion Institute in Haifa.
Yesterday’s missile test announcement came ahead of talks between Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) on 18 February, during which the two sides are set to discuss a permanent agreement over Tehran’s nuclear development. In November, the two sides agreed a six-month deal under which Iran halted its development of 20 per cent enriched uranium in return for limited sanctions relief.