Iran launches 4th-gen ballistic missile with 2,000-km range, US calls it a ‘serious threat’

Middle East, News May 27, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Iran has successfully tested a 2,000-kilometer-range (1,240-mile) ballistic missile, making it capable of hitting Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East. The test comes amid wider tensions with the West over its nuclear program.

The launching ceremony of the missile held in Tehan was led by Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani in a live broadcast. “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,” the general told the reporters.

He said the missile could be swiftly prepared for launch. “One of the prominent characteristics of this missile is its ability to evade radar detection and penetrate enemy air defense systems, thanks to its low radar signature,” Ashtiani said. He further added that the missile has the capability to utilize various warheads for different missions.

Khorramshahr ballistic missile

The Kheibar missile is the latest version of the Khorramshahr, which is Iran’s longest-range missile to date. The Khorramshahr is a liquid-fueled, medium-range ballistic missile that Iran first unveiled in 2017. It is “one of the most advanced missiles” with a range of 2,000 km and “is equipped with a high-explosive warhead weighing 1,500 kg” according to Iran’s Mehr News agency.

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani speaking during missile launch — ^{Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani speaks in a press conference during the unveiling of a new surface-to-surface 4th generation Khorramshahr ballistic missile called Khaibar in Tehran, Iran, May 25, 2023 (Image Credit: West Asia News Agency/Reuters)}

– Class: Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)

– Range: 2,000 – 3,000 km

– Payload: 1,800 kg approx.

– Warhead: High explosive, submunitions

The test comes days after the chief of Israel’s armed forces Herzi Halevi and other officials warned of “action” against Tehran over the advancement of its nuclear program.

“Iran has made more progress in uranium enrichment than ever before,” Herzi said, adding that Israel is closely examining Iran’s path to nuclear capability “Without going into details, there are possible negative developments on the horizon that could prompt action,” he added.

U.S. and France call the test worrying

The United States and France accused Iran of violating a UN Security Council resolution with the latest missile test.

In response, the U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington was aware of the missile report and stated that “Iran’s development and proliferation of ballistic missiles poses a serious threat to regional and international security”. Miller told reporters that the United States would continue to employ a variety of nonproliferation tools, including sanctions, to counter the further progress of Iran’s missile program.

Iran's new surface-to-surface 4th generation Khorramshahr ballistic missile called Khaibar in Tehran — *^{Iran’s new surface-to-surface 4th generation Khorramshahr ballistic missile called Khaibar in Tehran, Iran, on May 25, 2023 (Image Credit: West Asia News Agency/Reuters)}*

France expressed concern regarding Iran’s recent ballistic test. “These activities are all the more worrying in the context of the continuing escalation of Iran’s nuclear program,” French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anne-Claire Legendre said.

UN Security Council resolution 2231 urges Iran to refrain from engaging in any activity linked to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. However, the wording of the resolution is ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation. Western officials say that while the launches contravene resolution 2231, they do not violate the fundamental nuclear agreement involving Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States.