Iran has become one of the major proliferators of weapons and technology to terrorist organizations. Iran’s continued and open development and refinement of ballistic missile technology poses a serious threat to both the Middle East and Europe. Currently, Iran is pursuing a civilian nuclear program, which is shrouded in mystery, that could have possible military applications. This uncertainty, coupled with Iran’s rhetoric involving their nuclear program gives the world cause for concern. Click for Current Threats
Iran's
Missile and nuclear programmes have triggered actions in the US. Silo-based missile interceptor launched in Poland and tracking radar in Czech Republic designed to defend against potential Iranian ballistic missiles. This initial strategy has been altered by the current administration. A new approach is in development to counter Iran’s Missile threat using spiral development that includes existing capabilities such as SM-3 and rapid-ground base missile development.
Iran’s ballistic missiles could be used as a political weapon against rival states.
An attack where Iran uses its entire ballistic-missile arsenal and a majority of the waarheads would probably kill less than a few hundred civilians. Utility of Iran’s missiles are limited due to poor accuracy and TELs availability and delays.
Investments to develop local liquid-propellant missile industry began with their missile purchases in the 1980’s.
Their objective to develop the Shahab-3 without assistance resulted in the production of the longer-range Ghadr-1.
Iran’s ability to produce and improve their technologies has been steadily increasing over the years.
Iran’s ability to produce new liquid-propellant missiles is constrained by their ability to develop new liquid-propellant engines. Seeing that Iran’s primary supplies of such engines are Russia and Ukraine who follow Missile Technology Control Guidelines, they must rely on themselves. Building a missile with a longer-range requires building a larger missile. The most logical configuration for Iran to produce a long-range weapon is to produce liquid-propellant missile or a space-launch vehicle with better performance.
Iran’s History and steady missile and space launcher developments suggests that Tehran would develop an intermediate-range missile before attempting to design a programme to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. based on No-dong and Scud technologies.
Iran is approximately a decade away from developing an ICBM.