Iran concerned that incoming president Donald Trump might tighten oil sanctions and empower Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear sites
19 January 2025 - 14:38
byAgency Staff
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Dubai — Iran unveiled an underground naval missile base at an undisclosed Gulf location on Saturday, state TV said, two days before the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
It was unveiled at a time when tension with Washington is widely expected to rise. Iranian leaders are concerned that Trump might empower Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, while tightening US sanctions on its oil industry through his “maximum pressure” policy.
State television showed Revolutionary Guards chief General Hossein Salami visiting the secret base during war games. He said it was one of several built underground for vessels capable of launching long-range missiles and carry out distant warfare.
“We assure the great nation of Iran that their young people are capable of coming out honourable and victorious from a battle on the seas against enemies big and small,” Salami said.
State television said the base was built at a depth of 500m somewhere in the Gulf and it showed tunnels with long rows of what it said were a new version of Taregh-class radar-evading speed boats which can launch cruise missiles.
Earlier this month, Iran started military exercises that are due to last two months and have already included war games in which the Revolutionary Guards defended nuclear installations in Natanz against mock attacks by missiles and drones.
Iran, which says its ballistic missiles are an important deterrent and retaliatory force against the US and Israel, has in the past unveiled several underground “missiles cities”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Iran unveils new underground naval base
Iran concerned that incoming president Donald Trump might tighten oil sanctions and empower Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear sites
Dubai — Iran unveiled an underground naval missile base at an undisclosed Gulf location on Saturday, state TV said, two days before the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
It was unveiled at a time when tension with Washington is widely expected to rise. Iranian leaders are concerned that Trump might empower Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, while tightening US sanctions on its oil industry through his “maximum pressure” policy.
State television showed Revolutionary Guards chief General Hossein Salami visiting the secret base during war games. He said it was one of several built underground for vessels capable of launching long-range missiles and carry out distant warfare.
“We assure the great nation of Iran that their young people are capable of coming out honourable and victorious from a battle on the seas against enemies big and small,” Salami said.
State television said the base was built at a depth of 500m somewhere in the Gulf and it showed tunnels with long rows of what it said were a new version of Taregh-class radar-evading speed boats which can launch cruise missiles.
Earlier this month, Iran started military exercises that are due to last two months and have already included war games in which the Revolutionary Guards defended nuclear installations in Natanz against mock attacks by missiles and drones.
Iran, which says its ballistic missiles are an important deterrent and retaliatory force against the US and Israel, has in the past unveiled several underground “missiles cities”
Reuters
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