Iran’s Missile Program Linked to North Korea
Experts are highlighting the close cooperation between Iran and North Korea in developing Iran’s missile capabilities. Bruce Bechtol, a leading authority on this partnership, notes that Iran has been armed with various missile systems sourced from North Korea since at least 2005.
Bechtol reveals that Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles targeted at Diego Garcia, approximately 2,500 miles away. He emphasizes that Iran’s missile technology has improved significantly, posing a serious threat not only to the U.S. and Israel but also to neighboring countries in the region.
Iran has been using ballistic missiles like the “QIAM,” developed with support from North Korea, to attack key U.S. facilities and neighboring Arab nations. The partnership has helped Iran enhance its missile technology, allowing it to produce systems that have far-reaching implications.
Reports indicate that North Korea has built a large missile testing facility in Iran and has been crucial in helping the country meet technical challenges needed to hit targets beyond its borders.
Over the years, North Korea has supplied around 150 No Dong missile systems to Iran. This collaboration has resulted in various missiles, including the Shahab-3, a variant of the No Dong that features enhancements for greater range and effectiveness.
Bechtol points out that Iran has also developed missiles like the Emad and Ghadr, capable of reaching targets including Israel and U.S. bases in the region. The Khorramshahr-4, the latest in Iran’s missile lineup, is particularly concerning due to its increased warhead capacity.
The ongoing military conflict involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel is entering its fifth week, with rising tensions over missile launches and strikes. Analysts like Bechtol argue that enforcing sanctions against North Korea is crucial to cutting off the flow of military technology to Iran. Action needs to be taken to target financial networks facilitating these exchanges, thereby reducing the proliferation of dangerous weaponry.
