Tehran conducted a successful test of an intercontinental missile late Thursday, an Iranian parliamentarian said, after videos shared online appeared to show trails of smoke from the launches arcing upward in the sky.
“Two nights ago, we tested one of the country’s most advanced missiles, which had not been tested so far, and it was successful,” Mohsen Zanganeh told state broadcaster IRIB.
“I want to say that even under these circumstances, we are conducting a security test of an intercontinental missile.”
Residents across Tehran and in nearby cities including Gorgan, Sari and Semnan reported seeing the missile’s trajectory in the night sky. Eyewitness videos posted on social media showed arcs of smoke and light, while a Revolutionary Guards-affiliated channel shared images of the launch without claiming direct responsibility.
A local official confirmed missile tests had taken place around the capital on Thursday evening.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Less than a month after the end of June's 12-day war with Israel, Iran conducted a suborbital test using a satellite launch vehicle in a move experts said showcased its defiance and determination to advance its strategic goals.
A 2019 report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency concluded that expertise in space launch vehicles “can be used as a test bed for developing an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missiles).”
While the Islamic Republic has gained multi-stage launch capabilities through its satellite projects, there is no evidence yet of a fully developed intercontinental ballistic missile, Shahin Modarres, an international relations scholar and security analyst, told Iran International.
“Now the knowledge is there, but until this moment there has been no test and no sign of a built intercontinental weapon,” he said.
“If such a missile had been developed, Israel would already be within range, but the danger would also extend to Europe, while questions remain over whether they have the guidance systems or technology to reach the United States.”
Western governments have repeatedly voiced concern over Iran’s satellite launches, warning that the same rocket technology can be used for intercontinental ballistic missiles. Tehran, however, says its space program is peaceful.
Push for atomic bomb
Hardline voices in Iran's parliament are pushing for escalatory steps after the UN Security Council voted against lifting sanctions against Iran ahead of the so-called "snapback" of UN embargoes on September 28.
“Withdrawing from the NPT, adopting a policy of ambiguity and ultimately testing the atomic bomb is the only option that can spare Iran the fate of Iraq and Libya,” Ahmad Naderi, a member of the parliament’s presiding board said on Saturday.
"Experience has shown that countries without nuclear deterrence eventually become victims of invasion or regime change. The time has come to make hard but necessary decisions."
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons citing a fatwa by the Supreme Leader and insists that its missile program is defensive. Yet several high-ranking officials have in recent years talked about the necessity of developing an atomic bomb and the possibility of changing the "nuclear doctrine".
