Iran unveils missile base amid tensions
Iranian military officials showcased an underground missile facility amid rising regional tensions, with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander General Hossein Salami inspecting the installation. The facility, described as a "dormant volcano" by Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, reportedly played a role in Iran's operations against Israel in October 2024 and April 2024.
During the inspection, General Salami emphasized ongoing expansion of Iran's missile capabilities, stating that their missile production power remains active and growing. The IRGC Aerospace Force announced development of "new special missiles," while General Ali Mohammad Naeini revealed plans for upcoming military drills featuring "missile and drone cities."
Concurrent with these developments, Iranian Basij forces conducted large-scale exercises involving 110,000 members in Tehran. These military displays come in the wake of Israeli airstrikes against Iranian missile manufacturing sites and defense systems in October 2024, which Iran downplayed as causing limited damage while condemning them as violations of international law.
The demonstrations of military capability occur against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Iran appears to be asserting its regional influence despite setbacks to its allies in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and Syria.
The situation draws additional attention as the United States prepares for presidential transition, with President-elect Donald Trump, known for his previous "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, set to take office on January 20. US officials remain engaged in negotiations for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, hoping to reach an agreement before the transfer of power.
