Iranian Missile Range Limits Lifted Ahead of Potential Retaliatory Strikes
Omezení doletu íránských raket bylo zrušeno,
prohlásil Mohebbi agentuře ISNA podle TASSu.
The Islamic Republic has removed all operational distance ceilings on its ballistic arsenal, according to Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), speaking to the ISNA news agency. Mohebbi added that without these restrictions, Tehran will demonstrate its capability to respond to threats and strike the enemy in asymmetric warfare where it least expects it. The announcement confirms that previous limits on the range of Iranian missiles no longer apply to potential responses to foreign strikes.
Expanded Target Lists and European Capitals in the Crosshairs
Tehran has not introduced any new longer-range weapons, but the shift signals that retaliation for potential American strikes on nuclear facilities or Kish Island will not remain confined to the Middle East, the Greek portal Banking News reported. Ahmad Bachšaješ Ardestání, a member of the Iranian parliamentary committee for national security, stated in an interview with Euronews that if America uses its bases in Europe, including Italy and Germany, Iranian missiles will be launched toward Europe. Ardestání noted that targets might include not only military installations but also other tangible and intangible assets of states supporting Washington.
The directive follows instructions from the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, ordering armed forces to expand potential target lists. The pro-regime daily Kayhan warned that retaliation could reach the heart of Europe. On November 3, the Tehran newspaper Hamshahri published a map of Europe on its front page featuring marked military bases. Among the highlighted objects were the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the Sigonella naval air station in Sicily, the Fairford air base in the UK, the Akrotiri base in Cyprus, and military installations in Greece, France, and Albania.
Balistic Arsenals and Market Impacts on Oil Prices
Iran maintains several types of ballistic missiles with ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometers, including the Emad and Shahab-3, alongside the two-stage solid-fueled Sejjil ballistic missile, which has a range surpassing 2,000 kilometers. These capabilities place southeastern Europe, including Greece—whose soldiers guard the skies over Mecca—within potential striking distance. Missiles such as the Khorramshahr feature estimated ranges reaching up to 3,000 kilometers, according to expert estimates, though the capability to reliably hit military targets in Western Europe remains unproven.
Hossein Ali Haji Deligani, an Iranian lawmaker, warned state television Press TV that any new US or Israeli attack could trigger missile strikes on Europe and push oil prices above 150 dollars per barrel. North Sea Brent crude recently hovered around 97.69 dollars per barrel. Deligani characterized the anticipated response as massive, multiple, and strategic, operating without geographical limitations. Meanwhile, military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated on November 7 that Iran’s armed forces remain in higher readiness and possess greater motivation following direct confrontations with the US and Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lifted Missile Limits
Which specific Iranian missiles are capable of reaching European territory?
Iran holds missiles such as the Emad, Shahab-3, and the solid-fueled Sejjil, which exceeds 2,000 kilometers in range, alongside Khorramshahr models estimated to reach up to 3,000 kilometers.
What triggered the recent discussions regarding European targets?
The warnings follow instructions from new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei to expand target lists, coupled with statements from parliamentary and military officials regarding potential responses to foreign strikes on nuclear sites or Kish Island.
How have international crude oil markets reacted to the regional escalation?
North Sea Brent crude prices traded around 97.69 dollars per barrel following temporary dips, while Iranian lawmakers warned that extended military retaliation could drive prices past the 150-dollar mark.
Did international observers confirm successful long-range missile tests toward Western targets?
While Iranian state media and officials point to expanded operational reach and past long-distance launches toward the Indian Ocean, the capability to reliably hit targets in Western Europe remains unproven.