Iran said Wednesday it was prepared for any new Israeli attack, announcing it has developed missiles with greater capabilities than those used during their recent 12-day war.
Defence Minister Aziz Nassirzadeh stated the advanced state of its arsenal, quoted by the official IRNA news agency saying, “The missiles used in the 12-day war were manufactured… a few years ago.”
He issued a direct warning, adding, “Today, we have manufactured and possess missiles with far greater capabilities than previous missiles, and if the Zionist enemy embarks on the adventure again, we will undoubtedly use them.”
This announcement follows the recent conflict that began in mid-June when Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran, triggering a war in which Iran responded with missile and drone strikes.
The Israeli offensive killed senior military commanders, nuclear scientists and hundreds of others, striking both military sites and residential areas.
The United States briefly joined the war with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in place since June 24.
Iranian officials have since warned that another round of fighting could erupt at any moment, emphasising that Tehran does not seek war but remains prepared for any confrontation. On Monday, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Iran should be “prepared at every moment for confrontation”.
He further clarified the precarious nature of the truce, stating, “We are not even in a ceasefire; we are in a cessation of hostilities.” In a demonstration of this readiness, Iranian media reported that the army is to begin a two-day military exercise on Thursday, featuring a wide range of short and medium-range cruise missiles.
These developments occur against a backdrop of concern from Western governments about Iran’s missile programme, which they call a threat to regional security. In July, France called for a “comprehensive deal” with Tehran that covers not only its nuclear programme but also its missile programme and its regional ambitions. Iran has consistently insisted that its military capabilities are not up for negotiation.
