Iran launches new ballistic missile after top Israeli general's statement

Iranian state television has shown footage of an upgraded version of Iran's fourth-generation Khoramshahr surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km that can carry a 1,500 kg warhead, according to Reuters.

The IRNA news agency reported that the new missile was called Kheibar, referring to a Jewish castle captured by Muslim militants in the early stages of Islam.

"Our message to Iran's enemies is that we will defend our country and its achievements. Our message to our friends is that we want to help stabilize the region," Iranian Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani stressed.

Iran, which has one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East, claims its weapons are capable of reaching Israeli and US bases in the region.

Despite opposition from the United States and European countries, Iran has vowed to continue developing its “defensive” missile program. Iran says its ballistic missiles are an important deterrent and retaliation force against the United States, Israel and other potential regional adversaries.

On May 23, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Commander of the Israeli Armed Forces, raised the prospect of "action" against Iran as efforts by six countries to restore Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal have stalled since September 2022, amid growing Western concerns about Tehran's accelerating nuclear advances, according to Reuters.

The nuclear deal imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities, extending the time Tehran would need to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb, if it chose to do so. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.