TEHRAN: Iran unveiled its latest ballistic missile on Sunday, showcasing a new missile capable of reaching a range of 1,700 kilometers. The missile, named Etemad (meaning “trust” in Persian), was presented during a ceremony in Tehran attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
State television aired footage of the missile, claiming it as the most recent development from Iran’s defense ministry. With its extended range, Etemad is capable of reaching regional adversaries, including Israel, raising concerns in the West about Iran’s expanding missile capabilities.
In a televised address, President Pezeshkian highlighted the missile’s purpose as part of Iran’s broader efforts to ensure national defense and stability in the region. “The development of defense capabilities and space technologies aims to ensure that no country dares to attack Iranian territory,” he said.
The missile unveiling occurred on Iran’s National Aerospace Day, just days before the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Republic’s founding on February 10, 1979. This demonstration of military strength follows a pattern of similar displays by Tehran, including large-scale military exercises and the presentation of underground military bases.
While Iran has continued to enhance its missile and defense systems, it has also signaled its willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with Western countries. The announcement comes amidst rising concerns over the impact of Iran’s missile advancements on Middle Eastern security, especially with its increasing tensions with the United States and Israel.
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Iran’s missile and defense programs have evolved significantly since the country’s military relations with the U.S. were severed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Despite being under an arms embargo during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, Iran has now developed a robust arsenal of domestically produced weapons, including advanced missiles, air defense systems, and drones.
The new missile’s unveiling is likely to further fuel concerns in the international community regarding Iran’s growing military capabilities.
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