Iran denounces Israel’s claims of “imaginary threat” over missile program

Wednesday 08 October 2025 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

Iran denounces Israel’s claims of “imaginary threat” over missile program

Iran has rejected accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it is developing intercontinental missiles capable of reaching U.S. cities, calling such claims an “imaginary threat.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded Tuesday on X, saying Israel was “trying to turn our defensive capabilities into an imaginary threat.” His remarks came after Netanyahu claimed that Iran was building ballistic missiles with a range of up to 8,000 kilometers — enough, he said, to target New York, Washington, or even former U.S. President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago.

Tensions between the two countries have remained high since June, when Israel launched unprecedented strikes inside Iranian territory, targeting military and nuclear-related facilities. The 12-day conflict that followed saw Iran retaliate with missile and drone attacks on Israel and on a major U.S. base in Qatar.

Since a ceasefire was declared on June 24, both Tehran and Jerusalem have expressed readiness for another confrontation while claiming not to seek war.

Western nations and Israel continue to accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and of developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Tehran insists its nuclear program is purely civilian, focusing on energy production and medical research.