Iran says missile program not subject to limits

A senior commander at Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters on Wednesday said Tehran would increase the range of its missiles “to wherever necessary” and stressed the country was prepared to defend itself.

Mohammad Jafar Asadi, deputy for inspections at the Khatam al-Anbiya command, was quoted by Fars news agency as saying “with the resources we have, we are 100% ready; however we will not be the first to start a war, but if anyone invades our country we will respond decisively.”

Responding to European calls to restrict Iran’s missile program, he said: “I can only say they were wrong to make such claims.”

The Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters is the top operational command that plans and coordinates Iran’s armed forces.

Asadi said Iran’s missile deterrent had been decisive in past confrontations and would be extended as needed in response to perceived threats, Fars added.

Iranian missiles have a maximum range of 2,000 km, which officials have previously said is sufficient for the country’s defense, as it covers the distance to Israel.