Thursday’s launch of Iran’s latest ballistic missile was televised live and introduced by the country’s defense minister. Photo by Iran’s Ministry of Defense | License photo
May 25 (UPI) — Iran’s military on Thursday launched a ballistic missile with a range of more than 1,200 miles, the country’s state media reported.
The latest variant of the Khorramshahr ballistic missile, codenamed Kheibar, can carry multiple warheads as far as Israel.
Iran’s defense minister unveiled the weapon before the missile test, which was broadcast live on television.
The country also said the 43-foot rocket can be ready for launch in 12 minutes and can adjust its trajectory outside the atmosphere. Iran International reported.
The weapon is Kheibar’s name is a reference to a Jewish castle that was captured by Muslim soldiers in the early days of Islam, state news agency IRNA reported.
“Our message to Iran’s enemies is that we will defend the country and its achievements. Our message to our friends is that we want to help the stability of the region,” Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani said on television.
The missile test comes two days after Israel’s military chief warned of “negative developments” related to Iran’s nuclear program.
“Iran has made more progress in uranium enrichment than ever before. We are also looking closely at other aspects of this process [Iranians’] the path to nuclear capability,” Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said during a speech at an Israeli university.
“Without getting into the nitty-gritty, there are potential negative events on the horizon that could prompt action.” We have abilities and others have abilities. We have the ability to strike Iran. We are not indifferent to what Iran is trying to create around us, and it is difficult for Iran to be indifferent to the position we have chosen.”
