TEHRAN:
On Sunday, Iran unveiled a new ballistic missile, named Etemad, which is claimed to have a range of 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles). The missile was showcased in a ceremony attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian and broadcasted on state television. According to officials, the missile is the latest addition to Iran’s arsenal, designed by the Iranian defense ministry.
The missile’s range puts it in striking distance of key regional targets, including Israel, Iran’s longtime adversary. This development has raised concerns among Western nations, which view Iran’s missile advancements as a destabilizing factor in the Middle East.
During the ceremony, Pezeshkian emphasized that the goal of strengthening Iran’s defense and space capabilities is to ensure the country’s security and deter any potential aggression. The event coincided with Iran’s national aerospace day, just days before the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.
In recent years, particularly since the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Iran has made several public displays of military might, including large-scale exercises and the unveiling of underground military facilities. Despite these demonstrations, Tehran has also indicated a willingness to restart negotiations concerning its nuclear program, a long-standing source of tension with Western countries.
Historically, Iran depended on the U.S. for military equipment before diplomatic ties were severed after the 1979 revolution. Since then, Iran has built its own defense capabilities, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), when it faced an arms embargo. Today, Iran has a robust stockpile of domestically produced weapons, such as missiles, drones, and air defense systems.
In addition to military advancements, Iran is re-evaluating its foreign policy, especially after setbacks in Lebanon and Syria. This includes strengthening ties with non-traditional partners and bolstering its military strength. For instance, last week, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Kabul, marking the first high-level visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021. During the visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.
