Iran has firmly rejected recent assertions from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding its missile program, characterizing the claims as unfounded and exaggerated. Netanyahu, in a recent interview with US podcaster Ben Shapiro, alleged that Iran is in the process of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles with the capability to reach American cities, stating these missiles could have a range of up to 8,000 kilometers (4,971 miles).
In his remarks, Netanyahu pointed out that this range would allow Iranian missiles to target major US cities, including New York, Washington, and Miami, even mentioning the residence of former President Donald Trump in Florida. His comments suggest a heightened concern over Iran’s military capabilities amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned these statements, suggesting they were an attempt by Israel to depict Iran’s defensive capabilities as a menacing threat. He expressed that Israel was manufacturing fears about Iran’s missile capabilities rather than addressing the realities on the ground.
Iran possesses a significant arsenal of domestically produced ballistic missiles, such as the Shahab-3, which can reach distances of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles), sufficient to strike Israel directly. The tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent months. In June, a brief but intense conflict erupted following a series of unprecedented Israeli airstrikes inside Iran, aimed at military and possible nuclear sites. In turn, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel and targeted the largest US military base in the Middle East, located in Qatar.
Since the ceasefire on June 24, officials from Iran’s political and military leadership have continued to warn of potential further conflict, emphasizing their readiness for war while simultaneously stating that they do not seek it. The backdrop of these developments includes ongoing accusations from Western nations and Israel that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons and advancing its missile technology to deliver them. However, Iran has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful energy and medical research.
