Missile Power on the Rise

Iran has increased its missile production three-fold, a senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps commander said on Wednesday. The commander did not explain during what time period the production increase had taken place. “Our production has increased three-fold compared to the past,” said General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the IRGC aerospace division, referring to missiles, Reuters reported citing Fars News Agency.   The government, parliament and other Iranian officials had, in particular, agreed on the need for ground-to-ground missiles, Hajizadeh said. France’s foreign minister visited Iran on Monday on a mission to reaffirm Europe’s support for a nuclear deal that opened Iran’s economy, while echoing US concern about its missile program and role in regional conflicts. Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit reflected French efforts to safeguard Iran’s 2015 accord with major powers. US President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the deal unless three European signatories help “fix” it by forcing Iran to limit its sway in the Middle East and rein in its missile program. Iranian officials told Le Drian on Monday that Iran’s ballistic missile program was not up for negotiation.