Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles in Persian Gulf Military Exercise
Iran’s state television reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted ballistic and cruise missile tests on Tuesday during military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf.
According to Reuters news agency, the missile launches took place amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel over potential Israeli plans to target Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Major General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told Iran’s state television that the use of ballistic missiles in the Guard Corps’ naval forces is a new phenomenon. He said these missiles strike their targets with “100 percent” accuracy.
Iran says its ballistic missiles have a range of 2,000 kilometers and can reach Israeli and American bases in the region.
On Monday, Iran warned that any Israeli action against Iran would face a crushing response.
Israel has repeatedly opposed the revival of the JCPOA and stated that if diplomacy fails, it reserves the right to take action against Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful. Israel, widely believed to be the only country with a nuclear arsenal in the Middle East, has described Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat.
Iranian media reported that five cruise missiles were also fired simultaneously during the exercise, and armed drones capable of hitting two targets each were launched.
The military exercise began on Monday and will continue for five days.
Source: Voice of America
