Iranian Parliament Calls on Khamenei to Authorize ICBM Development

Iranian parliamentarians have formally called on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to authorize the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), escalating the country's long-range strike capabilities. The demand follows a Wall Street Journal report from March detailing Iran's launch of two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, approximately 4,000 km from Iran. This move signals a potential shift in Iran's military posture, as ICBMs would enable strikes against targets far beyond the Middle East, including Europe and the United States. The request comes amid heightened tensions with the West over Iran's nuclear program and its support for proxy forces. If approved, it could trigger a new arms race in the region and prompt stronger sanctions from the US and its allies. No official response from Khamenei has been reported yet.

Global Impact

Economically, the demand for ICBM development could lead to new US and EU sanctions on Iran, disrupting oil exports and raising global energy costs. Politically, it strains the already fragile JCPOA negotiations and may push the US to reinforce military assets in the Gulf.