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Iran has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertions that its missile programme poses a risk to U.S. cities, dismissing his warnings as an “imaginary threat.”
Netanyahu, in an interview with US podcaster Ben Shapiro released on Monday, alleged that Iran was developing intercontinental ballistic missiles with an 8,000-kilometre range, suggesting that with minor modifications, they could target cities including New York, Washington, Boston, Miami, and the Florida residence of US President Donald Trump.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, accusing Israel of exaggerating Iran’s defensive capabilities to portray them as a danger.
“Israel is now trying to make an imaginary threat out of our defence capabilities,” Araghchi wrote on X.
Iran possesses a significant arsenal of domestically produced ballistic missiles, including Shahab-3 rockets with a 2,000-kilometre range, which is sufficient to reach Israel.
In June, tensions escalated into a 12-day conflict after Israeli airstrikes targeted sites inside Iran linked to military, political, and nuclear activities.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel and the largest US base in the Middle East, located in Qatar, following a US bombing operation.
Since a ceasefire on June 24, Iranian officials have reiterated that while they are prepared for renewed conflict, they do not seek war.
Western nations and Israel accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and developing missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, claims Iran denies, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for civilian energy and medical research purposes.
