Biden: We Will Act if Iran's Missile Test Violates the JCPOA

Hours after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) showcased its missile capabilities in the deserts of Qom, the U.S. Vice President warned the Islamic Republic that if the launch of these missiles constitutes a violation of the nuclear agreement, known as the JCPOA, the U.S. will take 'action.' Iranian news agencies reported on Wednesday, March 10, that the IRGC fired two ballistic missiles named 'Qadr H' and 'Qadr F' from the eastern Alborz heights. These missiles were launched as part of a maneuver called 'Velayat Power.' Following the launch of these long-range missiles during the exercise, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force stated in an interview with reporters that Iran has designed its 2,000-kilometer range missiles for Israel. Just a day prior, other missile tests had also been conducted. In response to the news, Joe Biden, who is currently in Israel, warned that 'if the test is confirmed,' the U.S. 'will act against Iran.' Biden emphasized on Wednesday that there is still 'doubt' regarding the testing of such missiles in Iran. However, he added that if the IRGC's actions are confirmed and it is proven that the launch of these ballistic missiles violates Iran's nuclear agreement with the P5+1, 'we will act.' According to the former Vice President, the United States will take action wherever it becomes aware of any actions outside the agreement. Biden's statement echoes a response from another official in the Obama administration, who announced on Tuesday, March 9, that the U.S. is closely monitoring reports about ballistic missile tests in Iran and 'if confirmed,' will provide an 'appropriate response' to the Islamic Republic through the United Nations Security Council.