Iran has unveiled an underground naval missile base at an undisclosed location in the Persian Gulf, according to state television reports on Saturday. The announcement comes just two days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s second term.
The underground facility, built 500 meters below ground, is reportedly designed to house vessels capable of launching long-range cruise missiles.
Footage broadcast by Iranian state media showed rows of Taregh-class radar-evading speedboats equipped with cruise missiles. These vessels are said to be capable of destroying large enemy ships and operating in distant warfare scenarios.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveiled an underground naval missile base at an undisclosed Persian Gulf location on Saturday, footage released by IRGC media and the state TV showed, two days before Trump’s return to the White House. pic.twitter.com/1SFzsodMSo
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) January 18, 2025
General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), toured the base during military exercises and called it a significant step in Iran’s naval capabilities. “We assure the great nation of Iran that their young people are capable of achieving victory in a battle on the seas,” he said during his visit.
The timing of the unveiling reflects Iran’s efforts to respond to rising tensions with the United States. During Trump’s first term, his administration imposed severe sanctions on Iran, withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement, and pursued a policy of “maximum pressure.”
Iran fears that Trump’s continued policies could lead to closer U.S.-Israeli cooperation and possible strikes on its nuclear facilities.
Iran recently began two months of military exercises, including drills aimed at defending nuclear sites like Natanz from mock missile and drone attacks. The exercises come as the country continues to expand its military capabilities to deter U.S. and Israeli forces in the region.
