Iran claims its long-range missiles can reach Israel and U.S. bases in Gulf

IRGC long-range missiles can reach 2000 kms target

The Islamic Republic News Agency reports from Tehran that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Aerospace unit said on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, that it has manufactured long-range missiles that can reach 2000 kms [1,243 miles] target.

Public Relations Department at the IRGC Aerospace unit dismissed previous reports that IRGC manufactured missiles with range of 12,000 kms [or 7,456 mi.], and that It said that certain media have misquoted IRGC Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh about range of the missile.

The IRGC said that 2,000-km range missile is enough because Iran’s enemies are at close distance and does not need expensive missiles for them.

No doubt, by “Iran’s enemies at close distance” the IRGC was referring to Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf. The distance from Tehran, Iran to Jerusalem, Israel is 970 miles (or 1560 km.)

AlJazeera reports that on Sept. 22, 2013, Iran revealed 30 long-range missiles (12 Sejil and 18 Ghadr missiles) at the annual parade on Sunday marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. The stated range of both missiles would put not only Israel but also US bases in the Gulf within reach.

In a speech at the state event, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani insisted the weaponry on show was purely for defensive purposes.

See also “Iran claims its drones can fly deep into Israel,” Oct. 11, 2013.