Tehran (TDI): Iran has unveiled a new ballistic missile, named Etemad, capable of traveling 1,700 kilometers.
The missile was revealed at a ceremony in Tehran attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking a major development in Iran’s growing missile program.
State media called Etemad “the most recent ballistic missile” developed by the Iranian defense ministry.
Its range brings key regional adversaries, including Israel, within striking distance, further fueling Western concerns over Iran’s military advancements.
In 2024, Tehran launched missile strikes on Israel amid the wider Gaza conflict, demonstrating its military reach.
In a statement, Pezeshkian defended Iran’s missile program, stating, “The development of defense capabilities and space technologies aims to ensure that no nation dares to attack Iranian territory.”
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Alongside Etemad, Iran also unveiled three domestically produced satellites, including Navak, a 34-kg communications satellite, and upgraded versions of the Pars-1 and Pars-2 imaging satellites.
These are designed for environmental monitoring, emergency response, and urban management, according to state media.
A day prior, Tehran introduced a new cruise missile, the Ghadr-380, which boasts anti-jamming capabilities and a range exceeding one thousand kilometers, further enhancing the country’s military arsenal.
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The unveiling comes amid heightened tensions with the US, especially following the return of President Donald Trump, who previously enforced a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
Since then, Tehran has intensified military exercises, showcased underground bases, and bolstered its weapons development.
Iran Willing to Resume Nuclear Program Talks
Despite its military advancements, Iran has also expressed readiness to reopen negotiations over its nuclear program, a long-standing point of contention with Western powers.
Iran’s missile and defense industry has considerably grown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, following US sanctions and an arms embargo that forced the nation to develop its own weaponry.
Once reliant on US military equipment, Tehran now possesses a formidable arsenal of missiles, drones, and air defense systems—solidifying its strategic position in the region.
