DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran unveiled an underground missile base in an undisclosed location in the Gulf on Saturday, state television said, two days before the start of Donald Trump's second term as president.
It was unveiled at a time when tensions with Washington are expected to rise sharply. Iranian leaders are concerned that Trump could empower Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike Iran's nuclear sites, while tightening US sanctions on the oil industry through his “high pressure” policy.
National television showed Revolutionary Guards commander General Hossein Salami visiting the secret base during the war games. He said it was one of several submarines built underground that could launch long-range missiles and conduct long-range warfare.
“We assure the great nation of Iran that their young people are able to come out with dignity and victory in the battle at sea against the big and small enemies,” Salami said.
State television said the base was built at a depth of 500 meters (yards) somewhere in the Gulf and featured tunnels lined with what were believed to be a new version of Taregh-class radar-evading speedboats that could launch cruise missiles.
Earlier this month, Iran began military exercises two months ago and has already included war games in which the Revolutionary Guards defended the nuclear installation in Natanz from a mock attack by missiles and drones.
Iran, which says its ballistic missiles are a key deterrent and retaliatory weapon against the US and Israel, has in the past revealed underground “missile cities”.