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Iran accelerates missile production amid growing tensions with Israel
Iran is reportedly intensifying efforts to produce missiles capable of striking Israel, with a goal of launching a simultaneous barrage of 2,000 missiles in a future conflict. This plan, according to regional officials and analysts cited by The New York Times, marks a significant escalation compared to the 500 missiles fired over 12 days during the June war. Experts warn that another war between Israel and Iran may be "only a matter of time" as diplomatic relations remain frozen.
Missile factories operating around the clock
Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, revealed that Iranian missile factories are now operating 24/7 to meet the ambitious target. "If there is another war, they hope to fire 2,000 missiles at once to overwhelm Israeli defenses, not 500 over 12 days," Vaez said. While no immediate attack appears imminent, Israeli officials reportedly view the June war as unfinished business and are prepared to resume hostilities. In response, Iran is ramping up its military preparations for a potential next round of fighting.
Nuclear threat persists despite June strikes
The Times report casts doubt on whether the June strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iran's nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan effectively neutralized the Iranian nuclear threat. Middle Eastern officials increasingly believe that the attacks caused less damage than initially estimated. Iran retains a significant stockpile of highly enriched uranium, enough to produce 11 nuclear weapons, though the exact location of this material remains unclear.
Last week, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited several Iranian nuclear sites, including the Tehran Research Reactor. However, Iran continues to block access to a newly constructed enrichment facility near Natanz, referred to as "Pickaxe Mountain," raising concerns over potential clandestine nuclear developments.
Diplomatic deadlock deepens
Efforts to revive negotiations have stalled, with Iranian leaders taking a hardline stance against the U.S. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on Monday that cooperation with the U.S. is impossible as long as Washington supports Israel and maintains military bases in the region. "The arrogant nature of the U.S. accepts nothing but submission," Khamenei stated during a speech commemorating the 1979 takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment, stating that there is "no possibility" of resuming talks with Washington. He criticized American demands for zero uranium enrichment and the dismantling of Iran's missile program, calling such conditions "impossible" after Iran’s sacrifices during the June conflict, which claimed over 1,000 Iranian lives.