Is Iran expanding its base to build ballistic missiles?
American researchers, assessing the images, indicate that these developments signal Iran's intent to ramp up missile and UAV production—a conclusion affirmed by three senior Iranian officials.
The satellite photos, captured by a commercial satellite and analysed by Reuters, depict over 30 newly constructed buildings at the identified sites. Many of these structures are encircled by substantial earthen barriers, reportedly designed to mitigate potential explosions by containing flammable materials within the facility.
Iranian officials have justified these expansions as part of their strategy to bolster conventional ballistic missile production, with one official rhetorically answering, "Why not do it?" Additionally, the enhancements are expected to facilitate a doubling in the production capacity of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The report further notes that Iran's decision to expand these facilities may be influenced by the arms deal forged with Russia in 2022, which includes provisions for supplying weapons and ammunition amidst conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, as well as ongoing missile support to groups like the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah.
Experts estimate Iran's arsenal to be the largest in the Middle East, comprising over 3,000 missiles capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
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