Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it removed a self-imposed 2,000-kilometer limit on ballistic missile range amid fears of renewed war.
The big picture: Iran's Revolutionary Guard says a voluntary ceiling on ballistic missile range has ended, opening the door to weapons designed to reach targets farther than 2,000 kilometers, or 1,200 miles.
- Gen. Hossein Mohebbi told reporters in Tehran that the restriction had been lifted, days after Iran's supreme leader warned that threats could face a response without geographic limits.
- Iran is not known to possess missiles that exceed the former limit. U.S. officials say technology from the country's space program could be adapted for intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Zoom in: The announcement came as military pressure spread around the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway central to global oil shipping.
- U.S. Central Command said it disabled a St. Kitts-flagged commercial ship after the vessel ignored warnings and tried to leave the region following a visit to an Iranian port.
- The U.S. says its blockade redirected 144 commercial vessels through the end of October. Iran's military separately said two tankers struck mines and caught fire Saturday.
Why it matters: Longer-range missiles would expand the geography of a conflict that already affects shipping and energy markets. The statement raises the stakes even before Iran demonstrates a weapon beyond the old ceiling.
