Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a significant underground missile facility, showcasing its military capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions. State television aired footage of IRGC commander Hossein Salami touring the base, which reportedly houses dozens of missile types and was utilized in a direct attack against Israel in late 2022.
In his remarks, Salami emphasized Iran’s commitment to expanding its missile production, countering any perceptions that its military advancements have stalled. He stated, “The growth rate of our missile power is up to date,” asserting that both the quantity and quality of Iran’s missile systems are improving daily. This declaration follows recent regional developments, including a perceived weakening of Iran’s allies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, amid ongoing conflicts with Israel.
The location of the missile base remains undisclosed, but it is situated in the mountains, highlighting Iran’s strategic efforts to enhance its defense capabilities. The unveiling comes at a politically sensitive time, just days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump took office, a figure noted for his hardline stance on Iran, including the assassination of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in 2020 and the reinstatement of sanctions following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
On the same day, thousands of paramilitary fighters linked to the IRGC demonstrated their preparedness by parading through Tehran with heavy weaponry. The display included vehicles armed with rocket launchers and artillery, as well as soldiers and women in combat gear, signaling Iran’s resolve to confront perceived threats in the region.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, Iran’s military posturing underscores its ambitions in missile technology and regional influence, raising concerns among its adversaries.
