Iran threatens to hit US bases after unveiling new ballistic missile
American bases and interests will be targeted if a war is imposed on the Islamic Republic, Iran's defense minister warned on Sunday, after unveiling a new solid-fuel ballistic missile named Qassem Bassir.
"The Islamic Republic has never initiated a war in recent years and will not initiate any war in the future either, but if we are attacked or war is imposed on us, we will respond with strength," Defense Minister Aziz Nassirzadeh told the state TV when asked about US threats to attack Iran.
"If this war is initiated by the United States or Israel, the Islamic Republic will attack their interests, bases, and forces wherever they may be and whenever it deems necessary."
"We have no hostility toward neighboring countries—they are our brothers—but US bases are our targets," he said, referring to American bases in Arab countries neighboring Iran.
He also threatened to "employ weapons that have not been used until now" if a war is imposed on Iran.
The defense minister's remarks came after he unveiled Qassem Bassir, an upgraded ballistic missile that has a range of 1,200 km.
Nassirzadeh said the new missile can "easily overcome THAAD and Patriot missile defense systems thanks to its upgraded maneuverability.
He said the missile was upgraded after Israel intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles during the April and October 2024 attacks.
With the new upgrade, he said, Israel won't be able to intercept more than five missiles in 200.
Nassirzadeh said the latest upgraded missile has been added to all Iranian underground missile bases.
