Zarif: Nuclear-capable missile test by Israel is aimed at Iran

TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has criticized the United States and Europe for their silence over a nuclear-capable missile test on Friday by Israel, saying the test was “aimed at Iran”.

Iran unveils new missile system

Iran has unveiled a state-of-the-art missile defense system designed and manufactured by experts at home as the Islamic Republic marks National Defense Industry Day.

Russia successfully tests weapon that travels 27 times speed of sound and renders missile defense systems ‘useless’: officials

Russian officials said they have developed a new weapons system that travels at 27 times the speed of sound, thus making it “impossible” to intercept with current missile defense technology.

IRGC confirms ballistic missile test

TEHRAN - Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, has confirmed that Iran has recently test-fired a missile, saying that the country tests tens of missiles annually.

Zarif: U.S. foreign policy based on surrealism

TEHRAN - Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that that “surrealism” shapes the United States’ foreign policy.

Germany’s Oliver Meier: Bolton’s claim that Iran has violated UNSCR 2231 is ‘factually wrong’

TEHRAN - Oliver Meier, the deputy head of International Security Division of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), has said that UN Security Council Resolution 2231 does not prohibit Iran from missile testing activities, therefore the claim by the U.S. hat Iran has violated the resolution are unfounded.

Russia: Iran missile tests don’t breach international accords 

TEHRAN – A senior Russian official says Iran’s ballistic missile tests do not violate United Nations Security Council resolutions or international agreements, contrary to the West’s media hype about the Islamic Republic’s missile program.

Iran successfully tests new 2000km-range missile 

TEHRAN – On Friday night Iran released footage of the successful test-launch of its new ballistic missile, called Khorramshahr, with a range of 2,000 kilometers.

Iran denies failure of satellite-carrier rocket 

TEHRAN – Iran on Tuesday denied its recently tested satellite-carrier rocket was a dud, saying it was a “successful project,” according to Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan.

By Adam Taylor

North Korea says Trump is a ‘psychopath’ who may launch a preemptive strike

A commentary published in a North Korean state newspaper Thursday calls President Trump a “psychopath” — and suggests that he would launch a preemptive strike on North Korea to distract from domestic political problems.

By Ali Kushki

IRGC to unveil first surface-to-surface ballistic missile  

TEHRAN – Days after Washington expressed hope for an end to Iran’s missile program under reelected President Hassan Rouhani, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it will unveil its first surface-to-surface ballistic missile some time in the future, without elaborating. 

By Douglas Birkey

The North Korean threat is not theoretical, it is reality

North Korea is surging to the brink. Advancements in their missile technology and nuclear weapons program will soon put the United States in the crosshairs.

By John Nilsson-Wright

Kim and Trump have more in common than they think

Calculated ambiguity and coercive diplomacy appear to be at the heart of U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to dealing with North Korea. As a candidate, Trump seemed to revel in keeping his opponents guessing — for example when he announced his “secret plan” for dealing with the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIL).

Trump, Netanyahu discuss Iran in phone call

U.S. President Donald Trump called Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the Iranian nuclear deal and Iran’s recent missile test, as well as the latest anti-Semitic threats and vandalism in the U.S. 

Iran successfully test-fires Hormuz-2 ballistic missile

A top Iranian commander confirmed on Thursday the Islamic Republic has successfully test-fired Hormuz-2 ballistic missile.

Missile tests fall within province of national council: IRGC official

TEHRAN – A spokesman with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said in comments on Saturday that missile launches are approved by the Supreme National Security Council, reacting to news that the force acts independently.

Iran says has increased precision of its long-range ballistic missiles

TEHRAN – Iran now has long-range ballistic missiles with greater precision, its defense minister said on Thursday, rejecting reports that Tehran has halted its missile program after a recent missile launch that drew a response from Washington.

By Ali Kushki

Trump and Iran 

Having had no open contracts prior to the 2015 nuclear accord that established a temporary pause in hostilities, Tehran and Washington are again back to old habits of trading barbs.

Missile test not intended as a message to the Trump administration

Iran: Trump’s missile remarks ‘unfriendly’ yet ‘expected’ 

TEHRAN – Iran said on Monday that Washington’s recent stance on the country’s missile program is “unfriendly, hostile, and even threatening,” although the antagonism was already expected. 

Iran’s response to JCPOA violation to be effective, immediate: adviser

Iran will give an “effective and immediate” response to a potential move by the United States to abandon its commitment to a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran, says an Iranian adviser.

IRGC begins major aerial drills 

TEHRAN – The Aerospace Division of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has started the major phase of defense exercises in the north-central Iranian province of Semnan.

Iran confirms missile launch, says it doesn’t breach UN resolution 

TEHRAN – Iran confirmed on Wednesday it had carried out a fresh missile launch, saying the firing fits into its conventional defense doctrine and does not contravene the UN Security Council resolution that endorsed a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.