Iran missile test escalates tension in US‑Iran nuclear talks
Iran conducted a test of a modern ballistic missile with a range of about 745 miles, which immediately raised concerns from the international community. This development has intensified the already strained atmosphere in negotiations with the United States.
Key Information
- Iran tested a new ballistic missile with a range of 745 miles.
- The test took place amidst challenging US-Iran discussions regarding the nuclear program.
- The Iranian defense minister warned of possible consequences in response to aggression from the US or Israel.
Iran tested a new ballistic missile with a range of 745 miles, as reported by the American publication "Newsweek," citing Iranian state television. The missile test took place on April 17, and its announcement coincided with difficult US-Iran nuclear program talks.
The Iranian defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, announced that the new missile, named Qassem Basir, is powered by solid fuel and equipped with a guidance system using thermal imaging. This system allows it to strike targets with high precision, making it challenging for air defense systems like the American THAAD and Patriot to intercept.
Iran's new ballistic missile
Nasirzadeh criticized the United States for sending contradictory signals regarding the nuclear program negotiations. He warned that if military aggression occurs from the US or Israel, Iran would retaliate against the bases and personnel of those countries. He emphasized that Iran has never initiated a war and has no intention of doing so in the future.
The missile test was announced right after the Houthi rebels from Yemen attacked Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Although the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, Israel accused Iran of organizing it. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a severe retaliation. Nasirzadeh dismissed these accusations, asserting that Tehran does not control the rebels' actions.
The fourth round of US-Iran talks on the nuclear program, initially scheduled for May 3 in Rome, has been postponed. This delay likely happened at the request of the Omani foreign minister, who is mediating the negotiations.
