TEHRAN: Iran unveiled a new ballistic missile and an upgraded one-way attack drone during a military parade on Saturday, as reported by state media amid rising regional tensions and accusations of military support to Russia.
Western governments have alleged that Iran is supplying both drones and missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, claims Iran has consistently denied.
The newly unveiled Jihad missile, developed by the aerospace division of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, has a range of 1,000 kilometers (over 600 miles). The upgraded Shahed-136B drone boasts enhancements and an operational range exceeding 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles), according to the state news agency IRNA.
Iran’s new President, Masoud Pezeshkian, attended the annual parade in Tehran, which commemorates the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88). He asserted, “Our defensive and deterrent capabilities have grown so much that no demon even thinks about aggression toward our dear Iran.” He also emphasized unity among Islamic nations against Israel, referring to it as a “bloodthirsty, genocidal usurper.”
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the Iran-backed militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, leading to war in Gaza and mobilizing Iranian allies in the region. Recent days have seen a shift in Israeli military focus to the Lebanon border, where they have been engaged in combat with the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
An Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut reportedly killed 16 members of its elite Radwan Force on Friday, following earlier sabotage attacks on the group’s communications.
In response to Iran’s actions, Britain, France, Germany, and the United States imposed new sanctions earlier this month, alleging that Iran has been supplying ballistic missiles to aid Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
