Top military commanders revealed their advanced ballistic missile technology, which could be used as part of a nuclear weapons program, is sophisticated enough to strike US forces up to nearly 1,300 miles away.
While the range is not capable of hitting mainland America, it can cover much of the Middle East and encompasses several American bases.
Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, Tehran’s top military chief, said the current missile range can cover “most of American interest and forces” as he warned Iran’s enemies of the “high costs” of provoking his country.
He said: “There is the capability to increase this range, but it is sufficient for now as the Americans are present within a 2,000km radius around the country, and would get a response in the case of any invasion.”
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been strained since Donald Trump threatened to pull out of the controversial nuclear deal which limits Iran’s potential to build nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
US military officials recently claimed the US is cementing plans to counter Iran’s ballistic missile threat despite Iran’s threats of military violence.
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Bu Jafari played down the threat, saying Americans “are well aware that they would be the losers if such war breaks out”.
Speaking at the “World Without Terror” conference in Tehran yesterday, he said, “There is no doubt that a military confrontation between Iran and the United States is impossible, because they are extremely afraid of the consequences of this war.
“They are certain they will be defeated if a war begins.
“The United States should know that if the economic pressure and sanctions against Tehran increase, the Iranian nation’s will to increase its defence and missile capability will grow, and the range and accuracy of the missiles will surge.
“Iran is ready for big endeavours.”
Iran’s missile programme is not covered by the 2015 nuclear deal that is currently under threat, although in a recent speech the US President said he would ask Congress to impose sanctions against the missile project.
However, on Sunday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told parliament that Tehran will continue to produce missiles for defence purposes.
He said: ”We have built, are building, and will continue to build missiles.”
Over the weekend, Rouhani also said Iran will “not hesitate” to fire the ballistic weapons as he threatened military action to any perceived US interference.
He confirmed that no country was able to stop Iran’s missile programme, and taunted US President Donald Trump as powerless to stop the North Korean crisis.