Iran’s Growing Missile Arsenal Is a Challenge for Israel

While a temporary ceasefire between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to hold, Tehran is not masking its missile production expansion agenda. Earlier this month, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the nation’s weapons arsenal “Far surpasses that of the 12-Day War.” Araghchi added that Israel’s ambitions in the recent flare-up of violence between the two countries were never met, and that the Jewish state was “defeated.” Another Iranian official mirrored this rhetoric in November. Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh claimed that Iran’s defense industry has advanced over the last few months, touting that the quality and quantity of the country’s missile arsenal have only improved.

In October, European intelligence sources reported that Iran was indeed building up its ballistic missile program in the aftermath of the 12-day war. Despite the United Nations sanctions that prohibit arms sales to the regime, Tehran’s ballistic missile activity appears to be expanding. Specifically, reports indicate that multiple shipments of sodium perchlorate were delivered to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas from China. This chemical is essential for producing the solid propellant that fuels Iran’s conventional missile supply, making this shipment of top concern. While Tehran’s violations of UN-instilled obligations are nothing new, the regime’s focus on replenishing its missile stockpiles is a direct threat to Israel in the aftermath of the war.