All articles tagged with #missile program
Iran is expected to continue attempting attacks against Israel amid its Gaza offensive, with threats extending to missile capabilities and proxy actions through Yemen and the Houthis, prompting calls for strategic timing in potential future strikes on Iran to address long-term threats.
The White House is set to announce new sanctions on Iran, targeting its missile and drone program, following Iran's recent air attack on Israel. The sanctions will penalize entities supporting Iran's military, and the U.S. is coordinating with allies for a comprehensive response. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of potential economic spillovers from Iran's actions and highlighted previous sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on Iran-funded groups.
Iran announced the successful launch of its Soraya satellite into its highest orbit yet, heightening Western concerns over its ballistic missile program. The satellite was placed in an orbit at 750 kilometers above the Earth's surface with a three-stage rocket, but its purpose was not immediately acknowledged. The launch comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and follows recent airstrikes between Iran and Pakistan. The United States has previously criticized Iran's satellite launches, stating that they defy a U.N. Security Council resolution and could contribute to the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The United States has taken measures to restrict Iran's missile program and curb its drone transfers to Russia following the expiration of UN Security Council sanctions. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on individuals, entities, and a vessel involved in Iran's ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs. The State Department issued an advisory to prevent dual-use technologies from reaching Iranian actors. Additionally, over 45 countries committed to countering Iranian missile-related activities through the Proliferation Security Initiative. Despite the expiration of UN sanctions, the US believes Iran and Russia will remain isolated in this situation. The Biden administration has faced criticism for a recent prisoner swap with Iran, but officials have stated that the released funds can only be used for humanitarian goods.
The US Navy has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles to the Middle East in a show of force against Iran. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with Iran recently renewing threats to target former President Donald Trump and top members of his former Cabinet. Iran has expanded its missile program in recent years, ramping up what it claims are defensive arms as a show of defiance to the West in the wake of the collapsed nuclear arms treaty.