The adviser of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – Kamal Karazi announced that Tehran is likely to increase the range of its ballistic missiles and may revise its nuclear doctrine, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Asked by the Lebanese TV channel “Al Mayadin“ on whether Iran is prepared for an escalation of conflict with Israel after the latest airstrikes, Karazi said Iran is capable of extending the range of its ballistic missiles beyond the current self-imposed limit of 2,000 km.
Karazi noted that despite Iran's technical capabilities to create nuclear weapons, the country has refrained from doing so because of a fatwa (Islamic religious ruling) issued by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the early 21st century.
Tehran has long denied any ambitions to develop nuclear weapons, insisting that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Iranian government officials say the ballistic missiles' current range is sufficient to reach US military bases in the region.
Karazi added that Iran will respond to Israeli airstrikes at an appropriate time and manner chosen by Tehran.