IRGC Underlines Continued Missile Advancements in Response to US Sanctions

“The US seeks to contain our missile achievements, but we continue to move ahead and make progress,” General Hajizadeh told FNA in the Northeastern city of Mashhad on Sunday.

Noting that Iran ranks first in the region and stands among the top 10 in the world in having the most advanced missile program, he said, “We will have (the new version of) Emad missile next year as well as Sejjil which is a new long-range missile with solid fuel.”

In relevant remarks late January, General Hajizadeh had said the IRGC doesn’t give a flip about the repeated US demands for restrictions on Iran’s missile defense program and capabilities.

“They keep raising the issue of sanctions against Iran over its missile program and they expect us to retreat. Far from it, the IRGC response to the US demands will be offensive,” Hajizadeh said in Tehran.

He said the Americans’ attempts to limit Iran’s missile power backfired as our Armed Forces boosted their efforts and made significant progress in defense.

The US imposed fresh sanctions on some Iranian companies and individuals over a recent ballistic missile test right after Tehran and the world powers started implementation of the July nuclear deal whose key purpose was removal of all embargos against Iran.

The new sanctions prevent 11 entities and individuals linked to the missile program from using the US banking system. Iran reacted to the new move with vows to further make progress in its missile program.

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan announced last Wednesday that the country plans to test a new generation of Emad precision-guided ballistic missile.

General Dehqan referred to the long-range ballistic Emad missile which was test-fired in October, and said, “The missile is being mass-produced but its precision-striking power will improve and its second version will be unveiled next year.”

On October 11, Iran successfully test-fired the country’s new precision-guided long-range ballistic missile that can be controlled until the moment of impact. Emad carries a conventional warhead.

“This missile (Emad) which has been fully designed and made by Iranian Defense Ministry’s scientists and experts is the country’ first long-range missile with navigation and strike controlling capability; it is capable of hitting and destroying the targets with high-precision,” General Dehqan told reporters after a successful test of Emad missile.

The Iranian Defense Minister reiterated that the manufacture and successful testing of Emad missile is a technological and operational jump in a strategic field, and said, “We don’t ask for anyone’s permission for boosting our defense and missile power; we resolutely continue our defense programs, specially in the missile field, and Emad missile is a conspicuous example.”

General Dehqan felicitated Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Iranian Armed Forces and the Iranian nation on the successful testing, and appreciated the scientists and experts of the Aerospace Industries Organization of the Defense Ministry.

The Iranian Defense Minister reiterated that the mass production and delivery of Emad missile to the country’s Armed Forces will considerably increase their power and tactical capabilities.

IRGC Lieutenant Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami announced in December that the IRGC operational units had been supplied with Emad missile.

“Emad missile systems were delivered to the IRGC operational units,” Salami told FNA.

He also said the missile will likely be used in the upcoming IRGC wargames.

The Iranian Armed Forces have recently test-fired different types of newly-developed missiles and torpedoes and tested a large number of home-made weapons, tools and equipment, including submarines, military ships, artillery, choppers, aircrafts, UAVs and air defense and electronic systems, during massive military drills.

Defense analysts and military observers say that Iran’s wargames and its advancements in weapons production have proved as a deterrent factor.

The Iranian officials have always underscored that the country’s defense program cannot be affected by the nuclear deal clinched between Iran and the world powers on July 14 and the UN Security Council resolutions.