Iran announces new long-range cruise missile

Islamic Republic hails system, saying it will strengthen its ‘defensive and deterrence power’

Times of Israel

Iran announced a new surface-to-surface cruise missile system Sunday, broadening its arsenal of long-range rockets that analysts say can hit targets in Europe and beyond.

Officials claimed that the new missile, known as “Soumar,” enjoys improved range and pinpoint accuracy over previous systems, although its statistical capabilities have not been publicly released.

In a ceremony in Tehran, Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan hailed the Islamic Republic’s deterrence measures and military achievements amid economic sanctions imposed on the country over its controversial nuclear program.

“[The weapon] is seen as a wide stride taken to enhance the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defensive and deterrence power,” Dehghan told Persian media.

Another military official asserted that Iran would never allow its defense program and cruise missiles to become a topic in its nuclear negotiations with the world powers.

Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that, coupled with its nuclear project, Iran’s long-range missiles pose a threat not only to the Jewish state, but also to Europe and the United States.

The revelation of the new missile follows a large-scale naval drill last week by Iran in which senior Iranian officials noted that they possess an array of covert weapons that may be used in any future battle against the United States.

In January, an Israeli TV report claimed that Tehran possessed missiles capable of delivering a warhead “far beyond Europe.”

Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany — known as the P5+1 — have been seeking a comprehensive accord with Iran that would prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb in return for an easing of economic sanctions.