Iran has announced its technological breakthrough in the development of a supersonic cruise missile, a declaration that is likely to raise concerns about Tehran’s growing missile capabilities, as reported by Iranian state media.
This revelation comes in the wake of recent reports detailing the deployment of more than 3,000 U.S. sailors and Marines on two U.S. warships to the Red Sea.
The move is aimed at deterring Iran from disrupting merchant ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf.
According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the supersonic cruise missile represents a significant advancement in Iran’s defense program.
The missile’s ability to fly at supersonic speeds makes it exceptionally challenging to intercept.
The agency stated, “The supersonic cruise missile will open a new chapter in Iran’s defense program, as it is extremely difficult to intercept a cruise missile flying at supersonic speeds.”
The missile is currently undergoing testing.
Despite opposition from the U.S. and Europe, Iran has expressed its intent to further develop its “defensive” missile capabilities.
However, military experts in the West have noted that Iran has a history of occasionally overstating its missile prowess.
Iran’s substantial missile program in the Middle East positions its weapons within striking distance of key adversaries, including Israel and the United States in the region.
Concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities played a role in the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, leading to the reinstatement of sanctions under then-President Donald Trump in 2018.
Efforts to revive the nuclear deal between Iran and U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration have faced setbacks since September of the previous year.
The two sides remain engaged in indirect talks to find a resolution.
In the backdrop of this announcement, tensions continue to simmer in the Gulf.
A series of ship attacks since 2019 has heightened security concerns. Just last month, the U.S. Navy intervened to prevent Iran from seizing two commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
In response, the Pentagon bolstered its presence in the Middle East, deploying additional F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, along with a warship.
This deployment aims to enhance monitoring of critical waterways, considering Iran’s history of seizing and interfering with commercial shipping vessels.
The unveiling of Iran’s supersonic cruise missile technology adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate geopolitical landscape, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region.
