Iran’s Ballistic Missile Arsenal and its Place in Security and Foreign Policy of Tehran
Iran’s Ballistic Missile Arsenal and its Place in Security and Foreign Policy of Tehran

Summary/Abstract: The Islamic Republic of Iran is very assertive in seeking a greater role in international politics, especially within the Middle East, and this is the main force behind the current politics of the country. Another force is the perception of an enormous threat from outside among elites, who feel endangered in their position. Therefore, the foreign policy of this theocratic country is highly militarized. One of the important instruments of this policy is the ballistic missile arsenal, which plays an important role in deterrence and propaganda, useful for intimidating or fighting against enemies. Iran is striving to develop its ballistic missile capabilities from simple short range to intercontinental and space launch vehicles. Combined with the nuclear weapons that Iran may obtain in the near future, these military capabilities may pose a serious threat to US forces, installations, and friends and allies throughout the region and beyond. There is even a remote but not impossible chance that US soil itself could be endangered, and it is perceived in this way in Washington. Other countries in the Middle East and in Europe may also feel endangered, although there is some argument that nuclear and missile-armed Iran will never be a greater threat than it is now.

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