The danger of an attack on Europe: Iran already has missiles aimed at the Old Continent

The Iranian military is assessing how to respond to the United States' planned economic measures aimed at destabilizing the government in Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump announced this week what he called the “most crushing economic operation” against Iran, warning that Tehran would face “economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale.” In response, Iranian commanders are reviewing new military strategies to counter these threats. Ahmad Vahdi, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized the need for an “intelligent and effective solution” to navigate “difficult historical junctures” and neutralize the enemy's plans. On the occasion of Iran’s National Day of Defence Industry, Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, praised a “deterrent defensive industrial revolution” in domestic weapon production. However, officials chose not to display new arms publicly, citing the need to maintain secrecy and surprise. Ministry of Defence spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik stated that since the 12-day conflict with Israel and the U.S. in June 2025, Iran has doubled its production of weapons and defensive equipment. Since the start of the current war with the U.S. and Israel on February 28, manufacturing of certain “strategic and prioritised products” has more than tripled. Talaei-Nik added that over 9,300 companies in Iran are involved in weapon production, making it unlikely that U.S. and Israeli strikes could eliminate the sector entirely. Acting Defence Minister Majid Ebn-e Reza noted that compared to the previous war with Israel and the U.S., Iranian forces achieved deeper penetration of enemy bases, improved strike accuracy, and more successful air defense interceptions. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi confirmed that new generations of warheads for ballistic and cruise missiles are being deployed, as production and development have not ceased. The truce between the U.S. and Iran, which began on April 8, followed nearly 40 days of intense bombing involving thousands of flight sorties. The White House claimed that more than 85 percent of Iran’s defense-industrial base had been destroyed, including most of its ballistic missiles, mobile launchers, and long-range drones. It also asserted that over 150 Iranian warships had been destroyed, all submarines sunk, and 97 percent of Iran’s naval-mine inventory eliminated. However, a confidential U.S. intelligence assessment, later reported by media in May, indicated that Iran retained approximately 75 percent of its mobile launchers and 70 percent of its pre-war missile inventory. Even after an additional two weeks of heavy bombardment by the U.S. in July, the IRGC and Iranian army continued launching missiles and drones at U.S. bases and international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, though at a reduced rate compared to earlier in the conflict. Iranian commanders suggested that the July strikes signaled potential U.S. planning for ground operations in southern Iran, prompting readiness to counter such moves. Experts noted that Iran has maintained weapon production in geographically dispersed underground facilities, shielding them from U.S. bombings, while many above-ground manufacturing lines were heavily damaged. According to reports from Nova24TV, citing unnamed Iranian sources, Iran is considering attacks on American military targets in Europe if the U.S. escalates hostilities. One source mentioned that the target might include the U.S. Air Base in Bulgaria, known as Bagram, though the distance of 2,000 kilometers limits the effectiveness of Iranian rockets. Another possible target was the British airbase on Cyprus, which had already been attacked with drones in March. A source warned that potential U.S. attacks on Iran’s infrastructure could lead to a significant miscalculation, potentially expanding the war beyond the region into Europe. Meanwhile, a high-ranking Iranian representative, according to a Reuters report, stated that Tehran has transitioned from a defensive posture to a fully offensive one. Negotiations regarding the end of the war and control over the Strait of Hormuz have stalled. Trump, through his social media platform Truth Social, denied that negotiations with Iran were ongoing or planned, asserting that they were not part of the discussion. Military analysts suggest that while Iranian medium-range ballistic missiles could reach parts of southern and southeastern Europe, their accuracy and destructive power diminish significantly over longer distances. Iranian officials continue to emphasize their ability to sustain and expand their military capabilities despite sustained attacks. The IRGC has confirmed that new missile technology is being developed and deployed, ensuring that Iran can adapt to evolving threats. Despite claims by the U.S. of extensive damage to Iran’s military infrastructure, evidence suggests that key components remain intact. This resilience has led to increased confidence among Iranian military leaders, who believe their strategic advantages allow them to project power beyond regional conflicts. As tensions persist, both sides remain prepared for further escalation, with the possibility of broader geopolitical consequences looming.