- Iran released a new video on Wednesday showcasing an underground weapons facility it has dubbed a “missile city.” The video shows off ballistic missiles but also some reported vulnerabilities within the facility.
- The video’s release comes at a particularly tense time for Iran as the U.S. warns of potential military action against the country.
- This is reportedly the third underground missile facility showcased by Iran over roughly the last five years.
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In a new video released on Wednesday, March 26, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps revealed a fresh look at a third underground weapons facility, yet another of what it’s dubbed a “missile city.”
Why is the timing so pivotal?
The video was released near the end of a two-month ultimatum that President Donald Trump gave Tehran to reach a new nuclear deal.
In the nearly 90-second montage aired by Iranian state media, top military commanders are seen touring the weapons complex.
The video showcases some of Iran’s most sophisticated weapons, including Kheybar Shekan, Ghadr-H, Sejil and Pavel land attack cruise missiles, which were used in Tehran’s attack on Israel late last year.
However, the video also reportedly shows some major vulnerabilities, from munitions storage, open tunnels, large chasms and a lack of blast doors, as well as the absence of other stabilizing features, leaving the complex vulnerable to major explosions if targeted in an attack.
What else has Iran revealed in recent years?
Iran also revealed another underground ballistic missile storage facility in November 2020, with weapons transported through tunnels via an automated rail system.
Years later, Tehran unveiled another large underground facility made to house military aircraft.
How does it play into the bigger picture?
The latest video comes at a particularly tense time for Iran, as Trump demands Tehran accept an agreement to dismantle its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment and missile production.
The Trump administration has warned Iran of severe consequences if they do not accept the deal, including military action and stricter sanctions. However, Iran is still rejecting the proposal, citing national security concerns and repeatedly claiming its nuclear program is for energy purposes.
How has the US responded to Iran recently?
In response, the United States has deployed a pair of aircraft carriers to the Middle East in a show of strength against Iran.
Trump also sent a letter earlier this month to Iran’s leadership, floating the idea of talks about its nuclear program, while warning of military action if Tehran refused. Iran’s supreme leader dismissed that offer and called the U.S. a “bully.”
Adding to tensions, amid U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, Trump warned Iran that the United States will hold it accountable for Houthi attacks, a terror group of which Tehran is the main sponsor.
