“A long-range ballistic missile was successfully fired from a warship in a joint operation by the IRGC Aerospace Force and the IRGC Navy,” Iranian state media cited IRGC chief Hossein Salami as saying. “Through this new achievement, our range of influence and naval power have increased to any point required,” he added.
Salami added that the new capability, combined with ocean-cruising warships, allows Iran to strike any target around the world which Tehran deems a threat to its security and stability.
Iran-aligned militias have struck bases of the United States-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria with rockets and drones over 165 times since October 17, against the backdrop of Washington’s support for Israel in its war on the Gaza Strip. US forces have responded with several retaliatory strikes.
The US and the UK in January launched a series of aerial and navy strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the group’s repeated attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The strikes were conducted with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Iran has repeatedly condemned the American support for Israel in its war on Gaza, and warned that Washington would not be “spared” if the war continues. It has also warned against targeting an Iranian ship that the US accuses of delivering intelligence to the Houthis.
“We will certainly show appropriate and strong reactions to any conspiracy or action, and our strength and will are fully prepared and ready on the scene to defeat any alliance of great powers,” said the IRGC chief on Monday.
Iran has recently increased its naval presence in the Red Sea, amid the escalation between the Houthis and global powers. Iran’s Alborz destroyer warship passed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and entered the Red Sea in early January.
