US sees 'serious threat' as Iran unveils new missile

US sees 'serious threat' as Iran unveils new missile
by AFP Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) May 25, 2023

The United States on Thursday called Iran's missile program a "serious threat" after the clerical state unveiled a new model with its longest range to date.

"Iran's development, and proliferation of, ballistic missiles poses a serious threat to regional and international security and remains a significant non-proliferation challenge," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

The Kheibar missile will have a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) and be able to carry warheads weighing over one tonne, Iran's defense ministry said.

The unveiling comes after talks hit a stalemate on restoring a nuclear deal in which Iran promised to scale back its activities in return for sanctions relief.

The 2015 agreement, trashed by former US president Donald Trump and criticized by Israel, did not directly account for Iran's missile program.

President Joe Biden's administration has largely given up on thoughts of sanctions relief under a deal especially after Iran was swept by major protests against the religious leadership.

"An Iran with a nuclear weapon would likely act even more provocatively, and that's why we are so committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," Miller said.

Iran test fires new ballistic missile capable of reaching Israel
Washington DC (UPI) May 25, 2023 - Iran's military on Thursday launched a ballistic missile reportedly capable of traveling more than 1,200 miles, the country's state-run media reported.

The latest variant of the Khorramshahr ballistic missile, named Kheibar, is capable of carrying multiple warheads as far as Israel.

Iran's Defense Minister unveiled the weapon ahead of the missile test, which was broadcast live on TV.

The country also said the 43-foot missile can be readied for launch within 12 minutes and can adjust its trajectory outside the atmosphere, Iran International reported.

The weapon's Kheibar name is a reference to a Jewish castle overrun by Muslim warriors in the early days of Islam, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

"Our message to Iran's enemies is that we will defend the country and its achievements. Our message to our friends is that we want to help regional stability," Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani said during the television broadcast.

The missile test comes two days after Israel's military chief warned of "negative developments" related to Iran's nuclear program.

"Iran has made more progress in uranium enrichment than ever before. We are also closely examining other aspects of the [Iranians'] path to nuclear capability," Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said during a speech at an Israeli university.

"Without going into details, there are possible negative developments on the horizon that could prompt action. We have abilities and others have abilities. We have the ability to hit Iran. We are not indifferent to what Iran is trying to build around us, and it is difficult for Iran to be indifferent to the line we are taking."