Why it matters:
The new missile test by Iran is a clear message to the U.S. and its allies: Iran is prepared to strike back, hard.
The big picture:
Iran has been flexing its military capabilities as part of a broader deterrence strategy, especially in the wake of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and U.S. military presence across West Asia. This missile test appears designed to showcase not only strength but resolve.
What he's saying:
“We tested a new missile with a two-ton warhead last week,” said Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Nasirzadeh on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting Wednesday.
“If conflict is forced upon us, the other side will suffer heavier casualties than we will,” he added.“We will target all U.S. bases in the region without hesitation. America will be forced to leave.”
Key points:
- The test was publicly confirmed by Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh.
- He warned that Iran would respond decisively to any aggression.
- All U.S. military bases in the region could be targets in a future conflict.
- Nasirzadeh said that in such a scenario, American forces would be “forced to leave” the region.
Go deeper:
While details of Iran's new successful test on the missile remain sparse, the weight of the warhead alone suggests strategic intent.
This development follows a pattern of increasingly publicized weapons tests by Tehran, aimed at projecting power and deterring intervention.
The move is also likely to heighten concerns in Washington, especially as the US continues its threats against Iran.
Hossein Vaez
