Iran successfully tested a ballistic missile carrying a two-ton warhead last week, escalating tensions with the United States amid stalled nuclear negotiations and prompting evacuations from US diplomatic compounds in the region.
At a Glance
- Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh announced the successful test of a missile with a two-ton warhead, calling it a major achievement
- The missile test comes during ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, which are scheduled to enter their sixth round
- Iran has threatened to strike US bases in the Middle East if negotiations fail, prompting the State Department to authorize evacuations from embassy compounds in Iraq
- US General Michael Kurilla confirmed providing military options to strike Iran’s nuclear sites if diplomatic efforts collapse
- The next round of indirect Iran-US negotiations is scheduled for June 15 in Oman
Iran Boasts New Missile Capability
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh publicly confirmed the successful test of a domestically produced missile with a two-ton warhead. The test, conducted last week, represents a significant advancement in Iran’s military capabilities and sends a clear message to the United States and its allies in the region. The missile test comes at a particularly sensitive time as nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States have reached a critical juncture, with the sixth round of talks scheduled to begin soon.
“Our most recent achievement came last week when we successfully tested a missile carrying a two-ton warhead, with excellent results,” said Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh.
The missile test demonstrates Iran’s determination to expand its military capabilities despite international pressure. Nasirzadeh emphasized that Iran’s defensive capabilities are non-negotiable, directly challenging US attempts to include Iran’s missile program in nuclear talks. The Defense Minister has also claimed that Iran has made significant progress in various aspects of its defense program, suggesting this missile test is part of a broader military advancement strategy.
Rising Tensions and Diplomatic Concerns
The timing of the missile test has raised serious concerns among US officials and regional allies. Iran has explicitly threatened to attack US bases in the Middle East if nuclear negotiations fail, prompting the State Department to authorize evacuations from Embassy compounds in Iraq and other locations. The UK Maritime Trade Operations has also issued a warning about increasing regional tensions, signaling growing international concern about potential military conflict.
US Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Head of US Central Command, has confirmed that he has provided President Biden with various military options to strike Iran’s nuclear sites if diplomatic efforts collapse. This preparation for potential military action underscores the serious nature of the current standoff between the two nations. The State Department has already begun reducing its diplomatic presence in Iraq, with one official stating they decided to “reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq” based on their latest security analysis.
Iran's Defense Minister:
We've Tested a Missile with 2-Ton Warhead"If conflict is imposed on us, the enemy will undoubtedly suffer heavier losses—forcing the U.S. to withdraw from the region.
We will strike all American bases in the region without hesitation.
Just last week,… pic.twitter.com/6FDX4ahrh2
— Iran Military (@IRIran_Military) June 11, 2025
Nuclear Negotiations at Critical Juncture
The missile test comes as Iran prepares to submit a counterproposal for a nuclear deal to the United States, with the next round of indirect negotiations scheduled for June 15 in Oman. Iran has stated its intention to triple its nuclear power output, a move that would significantly increase its uranium enrichment capabilities. These developments have further complicated already tense negotiations, with President Trump noting Iran’s increasingly aggressive stance in the talks.
Adding to regional concerns, Iran claims to have stolen secret Israeli documents, including military plans, potentially gaining access to sensitive strategic information. Nasirzadeh has declared that Iran would strike designated targets if conflict occurs, while simultaneously emphasizing that Iran’s defense posture remains primarily deterrent in nature. This dual message of military readiness and preference for diplomatic resolution reflects Iran’s complex strategy in dealing with international pressure over its nuclear and missile programs.
