World
Iran unveils missile with 'death to Israel' written on the side
The missile was displayed as part of an exhibition in the central city of Isfahan
February 8, 2023 18:14
The missile was displayed as part of an exhibition in the central city of Isfahan
February 8, 2023 18:14Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has unveiled what appears to be a ballistic missile with the words "Death to Israel" written in Hebrew down the side.
Photos shared on Wednesday by the Tasnim news agency show an apparent surface-to-surface missile on a launcher, displayed as part of an exhibition in the central city of Isfahan.
After pictures of the missile were published, a senior Israeli Foreign Ministry official told the Ynet news site: “The message is very clear, if anyone had any doubts.”
Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (#IRGC) Aerospace Force has displayed its products and achievements at a public exhibition in #Iran’s central city of #Isfahan. pic.twitter.com/beAyRVc6xY
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) February 8, 2023
It is unclear if the missile is real or a mockup, and it comes just days after a major drone attack on key Iranian defence facilities in the same city - an attack the Iranians have blamed on Israel.
Iran has filed an official complaint with the United Nations Security Council over the "terrorist attack", and said that it reserves its right to retaliate.
On Tuesday, Iran unveiled what it says is its first underground air base, with the head of the country's military saying it would be one of many sites used to respond to any potential strikes by Israel or other forces.
Iran and its leadership have repeatedly vowed to "wipe Israel off the map". Jerusalem says that Iran's nuclear program is an existential threat, but has also expressed serious concerns about its ballistic missile program.