Iran has unveiled a new missile with a reported range that will allow it to reach both US bases in the region and targets inside its arch-Israeli.
Iran on Wednesday launched a new missile ‘Khaibar-buster ‘ that can hit targets of its arch-enemy Israel along with US bases in the region. According to state TV, the solid-fuel missile can have a range of 1,450 kilometers (900 miles). The missile has been launched at a time when world powers are meeting with Iran in Vienna to revive the broken nuclear deal. Iran said its missile program is only for security purposes.
The report added that the missile has high accuracy, is completely indigenously manufactured, and can defeat missile shield systems. The information has not been independently verified. Israel’s closest point to Iran is about 1,000 kilometers (620 mi) away. Iran has missiles that can range up to 2,000 kilometers (1,250 mi).
The report comes as talks continue in Vienna with world powers to revive Tehran’s broken nuclear deal. Iran, which has long said it does not want nuclear weapons, insists that its missile program is only a deterrent.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to King Salman of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The White House said Biden briefed the Saudi leader about multilateral talks aimed at bringing Iran back into compliance. Former President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal in 2018.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that a deal is “insight” but warned that “Iran’s nuclear progress will make it impossible” if it is not done in the coming weeks.
In January, Iran tested an engine for a solid-fuel rocket designed to launch satellites. Satellite carriers typically use liquid fuels but solid-fuel rockets can be adapted to mobile launchers that can be propelled anywhere on a major road or rail system. Pure solid-fuel rockets are mostly associated with ballistic missile systems.
Source: ABCNews
