Iran Expands Military Tentacles, State Department Adviser Says: David Vergun

By Lisa Fernrando  /  Conservative Base

Brian Hook, special representative for Iran and senior policy advisor to the secretary of state, provided evidence of Iran’s violation of U.N. resolutions against weapons proliferation during a news conference at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.

107mm Fadjr rockets Iran provided to the Taliban are seen at the Iranian Materiel Display at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Nov. 29, 2018. Since the Department of Defense opened the IMD display in December 2017, the collection has expanded to include materiel from seven Iranian weapons systems and small arms that are evidence of Iranian weapons proliferation. The IMD contains materiel associated with Iranian proliferation into Yemen, Afghanistan and Bahrain. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Iran has the largest ballistic force in the region, Hook said, with 10 ballistic missile systems in its inventory or under development. Missile development and testing has increased in recent years, he added.

Last year, Iran launched a medium-range missile believed to be the Khorramshahr, he said. It can carry a payload of more than a half ton and could be used to carry nuclear warheads. Its suspected range is 1,200 miles, which puts Europe in range.

Remains of Iranian Qiam ballistic missiles seen at the Iranian Materiel Display at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Nov. 26, 2018. The Department of Defense established the Iranian Materiel Display in December 2017 to present evidence that Iran is arming dangerous groups with advanced weapons, spreading instability and conflict in the region. The IMD contains materiel associated with Iranian proliferation into Yemen, Afghanistan and Bahrain. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

The U.S. is unveiling new evidence of Iran’s ongoing missile proliferation throughout the region, he said, standing in a hangar near a variety of seized Iranian weapons in a display he said is much larger than it was a year ago.

Iranian assault rifles are seen at the Iranian Materiel Display at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Nov. 29, 2018. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Those weapons are being exported to proxy rebels in a number of countries including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen, he said.

In response, the U.S. is ramping up diplomatic efforts and is strengthening economic sanctions against Iran, he said. The U.S. military also is working to build capacity and capability with militaries in the region.

Remains of an Iranian Qiam ballistic missile are seen at the Iranian Materiel Display at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Nov. 29, 2018. The Department of Defense established the Iranian Materiel Display in December 2017 to present evidence that Iran is arming dangerous groups with advanced weapons, spreading instability and conflict in the region. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

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