Amid rising tensions with the US, Iran fires new ballistic missile with a strike capability of 2,000 km.

Washington/Tehran. Amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, Iran has tested a new surface-to-surface ballistic missile. This fourth-generation missile, named “Khyber,” has a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers. According to Iranian officials, the missile was launched from a secret location.

Experts believe the test comes at a time of heightened regional security tensions and heightened military and diplomatic activity between the two countries. There have also been reports of the US increasing its military presence in the Gulf region. The third round of nuclear talks has begun.

Meanwhile, the third round of indirect nuclear talks between the two countries began in Geneva. These talks are being conducted under Oman’s mediation. The aim of the talks is to narrow long-standing differences over the nuclear program and find a diplomatic solution.

Iran denies developing nuclear weapons

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country is not working toward developing nuclear weapons, reiterating that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has already banned the development of nuclear weapons.

According to Pezeshkian, “When the supreme leadership has made it clear that nuclear weapons will not be developed, Iran has maintained that policy.”

Old dispute, new effort

It is worth noting that in the early 2000s, Khamenei issued a religious edict (fatwa) prohibiting the development of nuclear weapons. Despite this, the US has consistently accused Iran of pursuing nuclear capabilities.

According to analysts, while the missile test is a display of power, the ongoing diplomatic talks indicate that both countries are avoiding conflict and also exploring possibilities of a solution.