Unveiling of Two Missile Defense Systems in Iran; Ongoing Concerns Over the Islamic Republic's Military Activities

Amid the ongoing crisis and escalating tensions in the region, and while reports indicate growing global concerns regarding the Islamic Republic's military activities, Iran unveiled the missile defense systems "Arman" and "Azarakhsh." According to the official news agency IRNA, the Iranian Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday, February 17, the unveiling of the anti-ballistic missile system "Arman" and the air defense system "Azarakhsh." The report claims that Arman is capable of intercepting "six targets simultaneously at distances of 120 to 180 kilometers," while Azarakhsh can intercept targets up to 50 kilometers away. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, exacerbated by attacks from Houthi forces supported by the Iranian government on commercial ships, as well as incidents involving the United States, Britain, and Israel in the Red Sea, and attacks by Iranian proxy militants in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. Admiral Brad Cooper, the senior U.S. Navy commander in the Middle East, stated on Thursday, February 15, that Iran's support for Houthi militants targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea has been "vital," and that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is present in Yemen, working alongside the Houthis, providing them with advice and target information. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the United States and its allies in the Middle East are concerned about Iran's growing role in the global arms market. The report noted that the evolution of this industry, bolstered by the purchase of thousands of Russian drones that changed the battlefield in Ukraine, has helped Tehran increase its support for its militant allies in Middle Eastern conflicts. According to U.S. officials cited in the report, one of Iran's most significant arms exports is the Shahed suicide drone, which was used to kill three American soldiers in Jordan during an attack by an Iraqi militant group on February 27. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, in its research published this month, stated that models from the same family of drones that killed American soldiers in Jordan have been used on many fronts, including by Yemeni Houthis, Iraqi militants targeting Israel, and by Russia in its war against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously stated that the development, preparation, and proliferation of missiles and missile-related technology by the Islamic Republic is "one of the greatest challenges to international peace and security." He noted, "We are witnessing the horrific impact of providing these Iranian missiles and drones to terrorist organizations and proxy militant groups that directly threaten the security of Israel and our partners in the Gulf." He further remarked on the expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 regarding restrictions on Iran's missile activities, stating, "The United States reiterates its commitment to using every tool to counter the development, production, and proliferation of Iran's missiles, drones, and other dangerous weapons." According to Blinken, these tools include "sanctions, export controls, diplomatic engagement, collaboration with private industries, and prohibitions as necessary and provided for by law," among others. One day after the warning from the European Troika, the Islamic Republic announced the launch of a satellite and two microsatellites. The European Troika condemned the Islamic Republic's use of the "Qaim 100" satellite launcher. The White House stated that it takes the Islamic Republic's proxy attacks on American forces in Iraq "very seriously." The Wall Street Journal noted that the Islamic Republic has become one of the largest exporters of cheap weapons. Iraq condemned the deadly attack on American forces in Jordan. The Wall Street Journal reported that Yemeni Houthis are being equipped with advanced Iranian weapons. The senior U.S. commander in the Middle East stated that the IRGC is operating in Yemen "alongside the Houthis."