In defiance of President Trump’s maiden UN speech, Iran took to its own state TV today to show to the Iranian people the might of their Islamic republic and launched a Khoramshahr missile with a range of 1,300 miles.
Iran claims the missile will be used for peaceful purposes. The official statement of Iran’s government said: "Iran is one of the 24 founding members of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Iran is entitled to master the technology of launching satellites into orbit."
The missile was already displayed during a military parade on Friday, where onlookers were quick to notice it.
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International observers stated that Iran is probably next on Trump’s list of countries to be ‘dealt with’ after North Korea. The Islamic Republic is therefore keen to show its own military strength.
This week, during the UN General Assembly, US President Trump specifically targeted Iran during his speech, calling them one country among a "small group of rogue regimes" with a government keen on "death and destruction" whilst the nuclear agreement concluded by the Obama administration was an "embarrassment" to the US and its allies.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani responded in his speech during the military parade yesterday: "When it comes to defending our country, we will ask nobody for their permission. We are going to strengthen our military capabilities which are necessary for deterrence. We will strengthen not only our missiles but also our air, land and sea forces."
The US had imposed fresh sanctions on Iran over the summer due to its ballistic missile programme and says Iran’s government is still a sponsor for terror organizations. According to the White House administration, these launches violate the 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement was concluded by the Obama administration and President Trump has always been very critical of it.
The White House administration has vowed to inform Congress by October 15 whether they believe Iran is still complying with the agreement or not.
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