Iran Claims Introduction Of New Missile Systems Amid Tensions

Amid international concerns, Iran on Saturday showcased new weaponry including the Arman anti-ballistic missile system and the Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense system.

The unveiling ceremony for the two vehicle-mounted systems was attended by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, as reported by the official IRNA state news agency.

"With the entry of new systems into the country's defense network, the air defense capability of the Islamic Republic of Iran will increase significantly," IRNA said.

It said the Arman missile system "can simultaneously confront six targets at a distance of 120 to 180 km", while the Azarakhsh missile system "can identify and destroy targets... up to a range of 50 km with four ready-to-fire missiles".

Iran often announces the introduction of new military technologies and weapons that is difficult to independently verify.

The claim comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen conducting a series of attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea, in solidarity with Hamas. In response, the US targeted sites in Yemen and facilities of Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria. US military bases in Syria and Iraq have also been attacked, while Israel has carried out strikes on Iranian targets in Syria.

In June, Iran unveiled what officials described as its first domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile, named Fattah, with a range of 1,400 km. Iran claims that its ballistic missiles serve as a deterrent and retaliatory force against the United States, Israel, and other potential regional adversaries.

Iran's nuclear program was constrained by the 2015 nuclear agreement, which the United States withdrew from in 2018, thereby prolonging the time required for Tehran to develop nuclear material for weapons.