Feb 02, Kathmandu- Iran unveiled a new ballistic missile with a range of 1,700 kilometers in a ceremony attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The Iranian state television has mentioned that the said missile, named 'Etimad' in Persian, has a maximum range of 1,700 kilometers and is the latest ballistic missile produced by the Iranian Ministry of Defense. 

Western countries have expressed concern over Iran's ballistic missile program destabilizing the Middle East. With this new type of missile, Iran's missiles are capable of reaching its arch-enemy Israel. Iran has tested this missile twice since the start of the Gaza war last year. 

"The development of defense capabilities and space technology is aimed at ensuring that no country dares to invade Iranian territory," Pejeskian said in a televised address. A few days before the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic on February 10, 1979, and the National Space Day of Iran, this new missile was displayed. 

Since the return of US President Donald Trump, who adopted a policy of 'maximum pressure' on Iran during his first term, Tehran has made several displays of power, including a major military exercise and the presentation of an underground military base.

Also, Tehran has signaled its willingness to resume talks over its nuclear program, which has been a point of tension with the West for decades.

After Iran bought most of its military equipment from the then ally America before the Islamic revolution in 1979, after Washington severed ties and imposed embargoes, Iran seems to be taking steps to make itself independent in arms. 

Iran, which faced an arms embargo during its disastrous war with Iraq from 1980 to 1988, now has a substantial stockpile of indigenously developed weapons, including missiles, air defense systems and drones.