TEHRAN, July 25 — Iranian state-linked media outlets earlier this year issued what analysts describe as a direct strategic threat against Ukraine, warning through an unnamed military source that “All of Ukraine is within reach” of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal. The statement, published in early 2025, arrives against the backdrop of Tehran’s deepening military support for Russia’s war effort and marks a notable escalation in rhetorical posture, even as no specific timeline for missile deployment was given.
The threat draws attention to the scale and sophistication of Iran’s ballistic missile program, which has been under steady development since the 1980s. The record shows a family of systems including the Shahab-3, with a reported range of 2,000 kilometres; the precision-guided Emad, capable of reaching 1,700 kilometres; and the newer Kheibar Shekan, which has a range of 1,450 kilometres.
According to the source material, these missiles are theoretically capable of reaching targets across Ukraine and parts of Eastern Europe. Iran’s missile infrastructure includes underground launch sites and mobile launchers, a configuration that makes preemptive neutralisation difficult.
A History of Military Support for Moscow
Iran’s direct material involvement in the Russia–Ukraine war is well documented. Tehran has supplied Moscow with Shahed-136 loitering munitions since at least August 2022. Western intelligence agencies have repeatedly warned that Iran may also transfer short-range ballistic missiles — including the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar — to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with Iran in July 2022 after confirming the drone shipments. The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Iranian entities and individuals linked to the missile and drone programs.
The Ukrainian government has not issued a direct response to the specific media threat published earlier this year, but officials in Kyiv have consistently called for increased international pressure on Iran to halt arms deliveries to Russia.
International Framework and Enforcement Gaps
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted in 2015, placed restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile activities. That resolution remains on the books but is largely unenforced. The record shows that Iran has repeatedly violated the UN restrictions by testing and deploying missiles with ranges exceeding 300 kilometres.
The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities, but the agency has no mandate over the country’s missile program. The recent threat also raises security concerns for neighbouring NATO member states.
According to the source material, some Iranian missiles could potentially reach their territory, adding a broader strategic dimension to the rhetorical escalation. This story is developing. Further details may emerge regarding the specific source of the threat and any operational context behind the unnamed military official’s statement.
