IRGC Adviser Says Iran Missile Range Could Grow After US Clash

An IRGC aerospace adviser says the clash with the US sharpened Tehran’s missile skills and could stretch its reach.

The Iran missile range could grow, according to a senior adviser in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Ali Balali advises the commander of the IRGC aerospace forces. He says Iran gained major experience building missiles during its conflict with the United States. He adds that the weapons are now more effective and able to fly farther.

Conflict boosted Iran’s missile know how

Balali explained how the latest standoff changed things for Tehran.

“The latest (military, ed.) confrontation (with the US, ed.) helped Iran build up experience in developing missiles and drones, as well as test combat systems and increase their effectiveness,” Balali said.

New hardware on show in Tehran

The adviser also described an exhibition that marks the week of the IRGC aerospace forces. The event is running in the Iranian capital.

“The weapons presented there include missiles with a range of two to three and a half thousand kilometers, as well as drones whose flight time is up to 30 hours. Various air defense systems are also presented, as well as satellite launch vehicles capable of rising to an altitude of 500 kilometers above the earth’s surface,” Balali said.

No upper limit on Iran missile range

Balali said Iranian military planners set no ceiling on how far missiles can fly. He added that current conditions may demand a longer reach. The officer then made a bold claim about Iran’s reach.

“We have the ability to deliver our weapons to any point or target we define,” the officer noted.

From defensive limits to a new doctrine

Iranian authorities said earlier that they capped missile range at 2,000 kilometers on purpose. They described the cap as a defensive step. Lately, however, Iranian military figures have talked about a doctrine shift from defense to offense. They blame the conflict with the US for the change. They have also announced that the range limits are lifted. The Iran missile range now has no fixed cap.

That shift followed an order from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. He told the military not to restrict its response to the geography of the region. Iranian politicians said this would allow Iran to strike US bases in Europe.