Iranian president hails ballistic missiles as key to space program

Iran's ballistic missile and space launch technologies serve a deterrent purpose, not an offensive one, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday after visiting an exhibition showcasing the latest military advancements.

"We have worked to continuously strengthen our defense capabilities with the efforts of dedicated, innovative young scientists. This development will continue, and dear Iran will join the ranks of countries conducting extraterrestrial flights, showcasing our nation's scientific strength," Pezeshkian told officials and media.

Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh framed Iran’s ballistic missile program as an extension of its space launch efforts.

“Iran began its space activities by developing satellites. When challenges arose in satellite launches, the country shifted to building satellite carriers, a field in which it has now reached maturity. He added that there are promising plans, including the possibility of providing services to friendly nations,” the minister said.

Iran has launched a few satellites into low orbit, but its ballistic missile technology is viewed as a serious threat to regional countries and even most of Europe if its range extends beyond 2,000 kilometers. Last year, Iran launched two missile attacks on Israel, firing hundreds of medium-range ballistic missiles. While Israeli, American, and allied air defenses limited the damage, the attacks underscored Tehran’s ability to threaten regional countries with an estimated arsenal of 3,000 missiles.

President Pezeshkian also highlighted Iran’s space program as a driving force behind its missile development. "Our enemies constantly try to prevent us from standing on our own feet, but this has driven us to achieve scientific and technological advancements."

Iranian media have voiced concerns that President Donald Trump may push for limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program, as he did in 2018 when he withdrew from the JCPOA nuclear deal during his first term. Largely state-controlled and often reflecting official views, the media has repeatedly emphasized that Iran will not negotiate on any issue beyond its nuclear program.