Iran ramps up missile production for Russia, Houthis, and Hezbollah
According to information provided by Reuters, Iran has significantly expanded two critical ballistic missile manufacturing facilities over the past year. The goal is to increase the production of missiles intended for delivery to Russia, Yemen's Houthis, and Lebanon's Hezbollah, as reported by sources from the USA and Iran.
11:42 AM EDT, July 9, 2024
Satellite images taken over the past year show two production complexes near Tehran. These images reveal that more than 30 new buildings have been erected on the grounds of these complexes during this time.
As Reuters noted, many of these facilities have been surrounded by solid earthen embankments, a standard protective measure in areas where flammable materials are stored.
Three Iranian officials, who remained anonymous, confirmed the information to Reuters. According to them, the facilities are being expanded to increase the production of ballistic missiles with conventional warheads.
iran supports Russia, Houthis, and Hezbollah
One of the officials added that the expansion will also allow for an increase in drone production. Drones and missile components are to be delivered to Russia, with drones specifically supplied to the Houthis and missiles to Hezbollah. An Iranian official confirmed this. US officials also verify that Iran supplies missiles to these recipients, as reported by Reuters.
In the past, Tehran denied supplying missiles to Russia and the Houthis. In February, the agency reported that Iran had sent ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine.
The Houthis and Hezbollah are part of an anti-Israel axis supported by Iran. Both groups have increased their activities since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip last autumn. Since then, Hezbollah, which controls southern Lebanon, has regularly shelled southern Israel using rockets. Tens of thousands of civilians have been evacuated from the border areas of both countries, and fears of a full-scale war are growing. The Houthis, who control part of Yemen, have begun attacking ships passing through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, one of the key routes for international maritime trade.
American experts who analyzed the images of the Iranian factories stated that it is unclear what type of missiles will be produced in the new facilities.
Iran itself possesses over 3,000 missiles of various types, including some capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Reuters reminded.
