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The Role of Missiles in Iran's Military Strategy
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Michael Eisenstadt - Iran has the largest missile force in the Middle East, consisting of more than a thousand short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, and possibly land-attack cruise missiles. Although its missiles are conventionally armed, many could deliver a nuclear weapon if Iran were to acquire such a capability. The nuclear accord with Iran loosened constraints on Iran's missile program and included provisions for their lifting in eight years, if not sooner. Iran's missile force could double or triple in size by the time the major limits imposed by the nuclear deal are supposed to be lifted, 15 years from now. By then, Iran's growing missile and cyber capabilities will pose major challenges to regional missile defenses, military and critical infrastructure targets, and civilian population centers. For this reason, any attempts to improve on the nuclear deal with Iran should address Iran's missile program as well. The writer is director of the Military and Security Studies Program at The Washington Institute.