Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announces the removal of its previously declared missile-range restriction, raising regional security concerns as Tehran warns the US and Israel against further military action.
TEHRAN, IRAN — WEB DESK: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the removal of its self-imposed restriction limiting the range of its ballistic missiles to 2,000 kilometres, raising concerns about a possible expansion of Tehran’s military capabilities amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel.
IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi announced the decision during a press conference in Tehran on Saturday, November 7, 2026, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Responding to a question about Iran’s previous missile-range restriction, Mohebbi said the limitation had been lifted and stressed that Iran would demonstrate its military capabilities in practice rather than relying on statements.
However, he did not confirm whether Iran currently possesses ballistic missiles capable of travelling beyond 2,000 kilometres.
Iran Signals Possible Expansion of Missile Capabilities
The announcement marks a significant development in Iran’s declared missile policy.
Iran had previously maintained a self-imposed limit of approximately 2,000 kilometres on the range of its ballistic missiles.
The removal of that restriction could allow Tehran to pursue longer-range missile development without adhering to its previous publicly stated limit.
Nevertheless, the announcement does not establish that Iran has already developed, tested or deployed missiles with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometres.
The Associated Press reported that Iran is not currently known to possess operational ballistic missiles capable of exceeding that distance.
Warning to US and Israel Preceded Announcement
The IRGC announcement came days after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned that any threat from the United States or Israel would receive a response regardless of geographical boundaries.
The warning signalled Tehran’s increasingly assertive position amid concerns about renewed military confrontation.
Mohebbi’s remarks also reflected Iran’s emphasis on demonstrating its military capabilities through practical action.
The development could further complicate regional security calculations, particularly for countries within the potential reach of Iran’s existing and future missile systems.
Which Regions Are Within Iran’s Missile Range?
Iran’s previously declared 2,000-kilometre missile range already placed several strategically important regions within potential striking distance.
These include:
- The Arabian Peninsula.
- The Levant and wider Middle East.
- Most of Egypt.
- Parts of Greece and the Balkans.
Any future development of missiles with greater ranges could expand Iran’s potential military reach.
However, the geographical implications will depend on the actual capabilities of any new missile systems rather than the policy announcement alone.
US Concerns Over Iran’s Missile Technology
US officials have previously expressed concerns that technologies developed through Iran’s space programme could potentially be adapted for intercontinental ballistic missile development.
Such technology could theoretically support the development of longer-range delivery systems.
However, there is no confirmed evidence in the available reporting that Iran has operational intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The latest IRGC announcement therefore represents a change in its stated missile-range policy, not confirmation of a new operational missile capability.
Iranian Military Reports Oil Tanker Incident Near Strait of Hormuz
Separately, Iran’s military claimed that an oil tanker caught fire after striking a naval mine east of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian authorities, the vessel had switched off its navigation signal and was travelling through a prohibited maritime area.
Iranian officials did not immediately disclose the tanker’s nationality or destination.
The incident adds another security concern to an already tense regional environment. The Iranian military’s account has not been independently established in the available reporting.
The missile-range announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv, with the possibility of renewed military confrontation remaining a major concern for regional security.
