Pompeo: Iran has tested a ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons

The U.S. Secretary of State says that Iran has recently tested a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Mike Pompeo stated in a release from the U.S. State Department on Saturday, December 1, that the test of such a missile, which can target parts of Europe and the entire Middle East, is a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. This resolution, issued after the 2015 nuclear agreement in Vienna, calls on Iran to refrain from developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Iran has claimed that its produced missiles do not have the capability to carry nuclear weapons and therefore its missile activities do not violate Resolution 2231. Pompeo further stated: 'As we have warned several times, Iran's missile testing and proliferation are increasing. If we cannot create deterrence in this area, we will face the risk of increased tensions in the region.' He condemned these activities and called on Iran to immediately cease all actions related to ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The Secretary of State did not provide details about the timing and location of Iran's missile test, and Iranian officials have remained silent on this issue. Iran had not previously reported any news regarding this matter and has not reacted to Pompeo's statements. The commander of the Aerospace Force of the Revolutionary Guards announced on November 21 that 'U.S. bases in Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, as well as its aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, are within the range of Iran's missiles.' Amir Ali Hajizadeh also stated on October 16 that his organization has successfully produced a coastal-to-sea ballistic missile with a range of 700 kilometers, though he did not provide further details about the missile. Tehran, accused of developing its ballistic missile program and interfering in Middle Eastern countries, has faced extensive sanctions from Washington since the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA on May 8 of this year. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, has stated that he seeks a broader agreement with Iran that includes its missile program, nuclear activities, and Tehran's role in the region. Despite European countries opposing U.S. policy, stating that they will adhere to the JCPOA as long as Iran fulfills its commitments, they have also expressed concern about Iran's missile program. In this context, French Defense Minister Florence Parly stated on September 30 that Iran's program to produce nuclear-capable ballistic missiles is a 'threat' and expressed concern about Tehran's influence in the Middle East. Germany has also criticized Iran's actions regarding the development of its missile program on various occasions.