The Growing Threat of Iranian Missiles

January 15, 2019

The Cipher Brief:

In a series of recent briefings and statements, Trump administration officials have expressed growing alarm about Iran’s missile program, which they characterize as the ‘largest in the Middle East.’ Iran’s program poses a multi-tiered threat to U.S. interests and allies—its increasingly sophisticated medium-range ballistic program, exemplified by the Khorramshahr missile, places a growing proportion of Europe squarely within the Islamic Republic’s crosshairs.

Iran’s supply of short-range ballistic missiles to Tehran’s regional allies and proxies enables the mullahs to project power throughout the region. The net effect of Iran’s missile strategy is significant in that Iran is increasingly able to retaliate against, and thus deter, U.S. partners in Europe that might consider joining any major U.S.-led military action against Iran.

Some bases used by U.S. forces in Europe are now within range, although the accuracy of Iran’s missiles to destroy hardened targets remains in doubt. Following a December 1 Khorramshahr test, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo convened a U.N. Security Council meeting that ‘made clear that Iran’s ballistic missile activity is out of control…’

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