Iran is rapidly bringing its massive missile arsenal into the light.

For many years, Iran’s missile program was built in secrecy, hidden deep within underground bases and “missile cities” scattered across the country. However, recent developments indicate that Tehran no longer wishes to completely conceal its military might. Instead, Iran is increasingly showcasing its massive missile arsenal as a strategic deterrent aimed at the United States, Israel, and the entire Middle East region.
Western intelligence reports indicate that Iran continues to maintain thousands of ballistic missiles and drones, despite countless airstrike campaigns launched by the United States and Israel. This demonstrates that Tehran’s military capabilities have not been neutralized—contrary to numerous claims made in the past.

The Underground “Missile City”

One of the factors that makes Iran’s missile program so formidable is its extensive network of underground bases. For over two decades, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has constructed deep tunnels beneath mountains to conceal missiles, launch vehicles, and fuel depots.

Military experts assess that Iran currently possesses one of the largest missile arsenals in the Middle East, with a range capable of reaching Israel, U.S. bases in the Gulf region, and many parts of Europe.

Unlike many nations that rely on modern air forces, Iran views ballistic missiles as its primary strategic deterrent. After years of enduring sanctions, Tehran has invested heavily in missile technology, as it represents a more cost-effective and harder-to-neutralize option compared to developing advanced combat aircraft.

From Secret to Public

A notable point at present is that Iran no longer keeps its missile arsenal hidden in the shadows. Images of military parades, videos of missile test launches, and satellite imagery of military bases are increasingly being made public.

According to Reuters, satellite imagery indicates that Iran has expanded several missile production facilities since 2024 with the aim of increasing its output of ballistic missiles. These facilities are believed to be involved in manufacturing missiles to meet both domestic requirements and export demands from regional allies.

The public display of its missile arsenal serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it serves as a message from Tehran that any attack directed against Iran would come at a heavy cost. Second, it helps bolster the regime’s domestic political standing by demonstrating its capacity for military self-reliance, despite international sanctions.

Worrying Types of Missiles

Iran is currently developing a diverse range of missiles, ranging from short-range missiles to medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles.

Some notable systems include:

Fateh-110: A high-precision, short-range ballistic missile.
Zolfaghar and Dezful: Possess a range of 700 to 1,000 kilometers.
Emad and Ghadr: Medium-range missiles capable of reaching Israel.
Kheybar Shekan and Fattah-1: Described by Iran as a modern generation of missiles capable of penetrating missile defense systems.

Western military experts believe that the accuracy of Iranian missiles has improved significantly in recent years. This increases the risk to military bases and energy infrastructure in the Middle East.

Rapid recovery capability

What concerns U.S. intelligence agencies is the pace of Iran’s military reconstruction following airstrikes. Some reports indicate that Tehran has rapidly restored numerous launch platforms and production facilities within just a few months.

U.S. intelligence assessments further suggest that Iran has retained the majority of its underground missile launch systems and stockpiles. This enables the country to maintain the capability to launch large-scale attacks should a conflict erupt.

While some U.S. officials have previously claimed that Iran’s missile program had been “crippled,” internal intelligence reports reveal a reality that is far more complex.

Threats to the region

Iran’s public display of its missile arsenal is not merely a military matter; it also exerts a profound impact on the geopolitical balance of the Middle East.

Israel views Iran’s missile program as an existential threat. Meanwhile, Arab states in the Gulf region fear that their strategic oil facilities could become targets should war erupt.

The United States is currently compelled to bolster its missile defense systems in the region. However, recent reports indicate that U.S. stockpiles of interceptor missiles are being rapidly depleted following a series of consecutive conflicts.

This poses a significant challenge for Washington in the event of a large-scale conflict with Iran.

The New Game of Deterrence

Analysts suggest that Iran’s current strategy is based on “deterrence by quantity.” Tehran recognizes that it is unlikely to compete with the United States or Israel in terms of modern military technology, yet it can inflict severe damage using swarms of inexpensive missiles and drones.

This tactic has been demonstrated through attacks on Israel and U.S. bases in the region. Although many missiles were intercepted, their sheer volume was sufficient to place significant pressure on adversary defense systems.

Furthermore, the public disclosure of missile stockpiles carries significant psychological impact. Videos capturing hundreds of missiles lined up inside massive tunnels project an image of an Iran capable of delivering a powerful retaliation against any adversary.

An Uncertain Future

Amidst Middle East tensions showing no signs of abating, Iran’s missile program will continue to be a focal point of global attention. While nuclear negotiations may evolve over time, Tehran has repeatedly affirmed that it will not relinquish its missile capabilities.

This implies that the world could witness a new arms race in the Middle East, where ballistic missiles and drones emerge as primary instruments of power.

Iran is gradually bringing its “shadow arsenal” into the light—not merely to project strength, but also to send a message that it stands prepared for any future confrontational scenario.