The Islamic Republic began conducting missile tests in different cities on Monday, Iranian state media reported, citing unnamed sources and witnesses.
Iran’s public broadcaster and semi-official Nournews published videos that appear to show missile launches. The Jerusalem Post could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos.
Nournews reported that launches took place in Tehran, Isfahan, Khorramabad, and Mashhad.
Netanyahu responds to Iranian 'missile tests'
Netanyahu later confirmed on Monday that Israel was aware Iran had been conducting "exercises" recently, adding that Tehran's nuclear activities would be discussed with Trump.
He did not, however, elaborate on his reference to Iranian exercises.
Anything that weakens Israel weakens America
Israeli officials announced this week that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump would meet on December 29.
The discussion is set to focus on Iran’s expansion of its ballistic missile program, which poses a threat to the entire region and various US interests.
“If they do want to come back without a deal, then we’re going to obliterate that one, too,” Trump stated regarding possible negotiations with Iran. “We can knock out their missiles very quickly; we have great power.”
In an interview with The Post on Sunday, US Sen. Lindsey Graham addressed the Iranian threat, saying, “We cannot allow Iran to produce ballistic missiles because they could overwhelm the Iron Dome. It’s a major threat.” He added, “Anything that weakens Israel weakens America.”
Iranian army cites high combat readiness
The test launches come as Amir Hatami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (AJA), said during a visit to military units in the western part of the country that the troops maintained a high level of readiness and combat capability, Iran’s state-run news outlet IRNA reported, citing the army’s public relations office.
“Thank God, the morale of our comrades on the country’s borders is very good, and their equipment and facilities have also been prepared in line with the experience gained from the 12-day imposed war,” he said.
“During this visit, we also witnessed initiatives, creativity, and new innovations, and I need to thank all my comrades in the army units in the western region of the country,” Hatami continued.
He added that the army, “with firm determination and resolve to confront enemies,” had utilized all necessary resources.
Hatami said that military training and exercises were conducted in accordance with established doctrine, with an emphasis on passive defense, and were designed to mirror real battlefield conditions.
Jerusalem Post Staff and Amichai Stein contributed to this report.