Iran unveils new generation ballistic missile with 2,000km range

An Iranian missile

According to Reuters, on May 25, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported that the country had launched the fourth generation of the Khorramshahr ballistic missile, named Khaibar, with a range of 2,000km and the ability to carry a 1.5-ton warhead.

Iran has expanded its missile program, especially ballistic missiles, despite US objections and concerns from European countries.

Tehran says the program is purely defensive and deterrent in nature.

"In a ceremony attended by the Defense Minister today, Iran unveiled its latest ballistic missile, which is also the latest product of the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) under the Defense Ministry," IRNA said.

Late last year, the commander of the aerospace division of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Amir Ali Hajizadeh said the country had built a hypersonic ballistic missile, a claim that raised concerns about Tehran's missile capabilities.

"This missile has high speed and is capable of maneuvering inside and outside the atmosphere. It will target the enemy's advanced anti-missile systems and is a major step forward in the missile field," said Commander Hajizadeh.

Also during that time, Iranian media reported that the country tested Ghaem 100, a three-stage space launch vehicle that can put an 80kg satellite into orbit 500km above the Earth's surface.

The United States has called such actions "destabilizing," arguing that space launch vehicles could be used to deliver nuclear warheads. Iran, meanwhile, denies that it is developing nuclear weapons.

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