Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile     05/05 06:12

   

   TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran's defense ministry Sunday unveiled the country's 
latest solid-fueled ballistic missile, state TV reported, against a backdrop of 
threats from the United States over its nuclear program.

   TV showed the "Qassem Basir" ballistic missile during an interview with 
Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh. He said it includes improvements in both 
guidance and maneuverability to overcome layers of defense and easily bypass 
anti-ballistic defense systems.

   The missile was most recently tested on April 17.

   TV described the missile as having at least a 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) 
range. It also said the missile can identify and strike a designated target 
among multiple ones without GPS guidance and with pinpoint accuracy.

   In reaction to a May 1 comment by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the 
platform X, in which he warns Iran about its support for the Houthis in Yemen, 
Nasirzade said if war is initiated by the U.S. or Israel, Iran will strike 
their interests, bases and forces "wherever they are and whenever necessary."

   Nasirzadeh added: "We have no hostility toward neighboring countries and 
seek brotherly relations, but in the event of an attack, U.S. bases in the 
region will be considered legitimate targets."

   Regarding a recent missile attack by Yemen's Houthis on Israel, Nasirzadeh 
said Yemen is an independent nation making its own decisions, and rejected U.S. 
attempts to link Iran to the conflict there.

   Tehran created its ballistic missile program after suffering through Iraqi 
Scud missile attacks in the Iran-Iraq war -- and as a hedge against its 
Western-armed neighbors as embargos have kept it from accessing modern attack 
aircraft.

   The missile announcement comes amid escalating tensions following the strike 
on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport by the Houthis. In response, Israeli Prime 
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed significant retaliation against both the 
Houthis and their Iranian supporters. The incident marks a significant 
escalation in regional hostilities.

   Meanwhile, indirect talks between Iran and the United States, which were 
scheduled for May 3 in Rome, were suspended last week. Iran's Foreign Ministry 
said the postponement came at the request of Oman's foreign minister, who has 
been mediating the negotiations. A new date has yet to be announced.

   President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes 
targeting Iran's program if a deal isn't reached. Iranian officials 
increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile 
of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.