Iran is signaling a major shift in its military doctrine, declaring that Tehran is prepared to take preemptive action against perceived threats before they can be carried out, as tensions with the United States continue to escalate.

The announcement came from Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s National Security Council, who said an upgraded ballistic missile demonstrates that Iran “will take preemptive action against any threat, even before it is carried out.” His remarks were broadcast on Iranian state television.

Iranian state media said the new missile has improved range and accuracy and carries a warhead weighing approximately half a ton. Rezaei also claimed the new missile capability had been “tested” against an American warship, although it remains unclear whether he was referring to the Qassem Basir missile.

The declaration comes days after a dangerous escalation at sea. The United States said Saturday that Iranian ballistic missiles were launched toward American warships, prompting U.S. forces to strike three Iranian oil tankers in response.

The confrontation marked a significant escalation after months in which Iranian attacks at sea had largely targeted commercial vessels rather than U.S. warships.

Iranian state media portrayed the upgraded missile and the new preemptive doctrine as a turning point in Tehran’s defense strategy. Iran’s ballistic missile program has remained a major source of concern for both the United States and Israel and was among the issues that contributed to the military confrontation with Tehran earlier this year.

The latest threat comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain extremely high, with the U.S. continuing military and economic pressure on the Iranian regime while Iran signals that it is prepared to expand the scope of its response.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)