Iran bolsters missile plants, fuels Russian and militant allies
According to information provided by Reuters, Iran has significantly expanded two critical ballistic missile manufacturing facilities over the past year. The goal is to increase the production of missiles that are to be delivered to Russia, Yemen's Houthis, and Lebanon's Hezbollah—sources from the USA and Iran provided such information.
Satellite images taken over the past year show two production complexes near Tehran. More than 30 new buildings have been erected on the grounds of these complexes during this time.
As Reuters noted, many of these facilities have been surrounded by solid earthen embankments, a standard protective procedure in places where flammable materials are stored.
Three Iranian officials, who remained anonymous, confirmed the information to Reuters. They said the facilities are being expanded to increase the production of ballistic missiles with conventional warheads.
Iran supports Russia, Houthis, and Hezbollah
One of the officials added that the expansion would also allow for an increase in drone production. An Iranian official provided such information: Drones and missile components are to be delivered to Russia, drones are to be supplied to the Houthis, and missiles are to be delivered to Hezbollah. US officials also confirm that Iran supplies missiles to these recipients, according to Reuters.
In the past, Tehran denied that it was supplying missiles to Russia and the Houthis. In February, the agency reported that Iran had sent ballistic missiles to Russia that were to be used against Ukraine.
The Houthis and Hezbollah are part of an anti-Israel axis that Iran supports. Both groups have increased their activity after the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip last autumn. Since then, Hezbollah, which controls southern Lebanon, has regularly shelled south Israel, also using rockets. Tens of thousands of civilians have been evacuated from the border areas of both countries, and fears of a full-scale war are growing. The Houthis, who control part of Yemen, have begun attacking ships passing through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea—one of the key routes for international maritime trade.
American experts who analyzed the images of the Iranian factories stated that it is unclear what type of missiles will be produced in the new facilities.
Iran itself possesses over 3,000 missiles of various types, including those capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Reuters reminded.
