IRGC Official: We Designed 2000-Kilometer Missiles for Israel

Hours after launching two ballistic missiles during a drill, the commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated in an interview with reporters on Wednesday that Iran has designed its 2000-kilometer missiles for Israel. Iranian news agencies reported on Wednesday, March 10, that the IRGC launched two ballistic missiles named Qadr H and Qadr F from the heights of the eastern Alborz region. These missiles were launched as part of a maneuver called 'Valayat Power'. Simultaneously, the IRGC Aerospace commander stated that Iran's missiles belong to 'Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and all the oppressed people of the world'. According to Tasnim News Agency, he also mentioned that Israel has 'reached the end of the line' and said: 'The reason we designed 2000-kilometer missiles is to target the farthest enemy, namely the Zionist regime.' According to this high-ranking IRGC official, 'Enemies targeted Iran's national security after the JCPOA.' He did not provide any explanation regarding this accusation. The Qadr H missile test was conducted on the morning of March 10. Tasnim News Agency reported that the range of the Qadr F missile is about 2000 kilometers, while the range of the Qadr H missile is about 1700 kilometers. Just a day prior, other missile tests had also been conducted. An American official announced on March 9 that the United States is closely monitoring reports about Iran's ballistic missile tests. According to this American official, if confirmed, an 'appropriate response' will be given to the Islamic Republic's missile action through the United Nations Security Council. According to Fars News Agency, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, stated on March 10: 'These missiles are completely Iranian but belong to the people of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and all the oppressed people of the world.' Iran supports Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Syrian government. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist group by the United States and some other countries. Western countries are also critics of Bashar al-Assad's government and demand that he ultimately step down from power to end the Syrian civil war. Iran has accused Assad's opponents of prolonging the crisis in Syria. Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, stated on Tuesday that Congress will continue its efforts to intensify sanctions against Iran to stop its 'provocative actions against the U.S. and its allies.' Ryan stated that the missiles tested on Tuesday are a 'violation of international law.' Iranian officials, including former presidents and the Supreme Leader, have at times called for the 'removal of Israel from the map of the earth' or stated that war with Israel 'must settle the score.' Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has been a staunch opponent of the nuclear agreement between Tehran and six world powers. He has called for a 'serious military threat against Iran' to always be maintained.