The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force said Iran has an extensive network of underground missile sites known as “missile cities.”
These bases are located underground at a depth of about 500 meters, providing a high degree of protection against potential threats.
According to the commander, existing military installations that are known to the public make up only a small part of the entire system, representing something of the “tip of the iceberg.”
He also emphasized that the depth and location of these underground bases make them inaccessible even to the most modern American bombers.
“What you see is the tip of the iceberg. Under the ground, at a depth of about 500 meters, there are Iranian missile cities, even American bombers cannot penetrate there,” the IRGC commander said.
A series of earthquakes in Iran is once again causing concern among local residents and international observers. The instability can be felt even on the roadsides, where trucks begin to shake from tremors and thick dust suddenly rises in the mountains. This phenomenon raises questions on social networks, where it is discussed whether earthquakes could be caused not by natural processes, but perhaps by nuclear weapons tests.
Iran is located in one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world, where large tectonic plates collide. About 90% of the country is covered by active faults, making earthquakes common. A recent earthquake of magnitude 4.8, recorded by IRNA, occurred in the city of Karmsar in Semnan province on November 3 at a depth of 11 kilometers. Local authorities, including Governor Reza Hani, reported power and internet outages, which were restored, albeit partially. Hani noted that the noise from the tremors was very loud, urging residents to remain calm. Teams are already working at the scene to assess the damage and help the victims.
Faced with such risks, the Iranian government is taking measures to improve earthquake resilience, including strengthening infrastructure and training citizens to deal with aftershocks. However, the unpredictability of such catastrophic events leaves the country vulnerable. Over the past decades, Iran has experienced many devastating earthquakes, one of the most tragic occurred in 1990 in the north-west of the country, when a magnitude 7.7 earthquake killed 37 thousand people and left more than 100 thousand injured.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Expert on Iran’s Underground Missile Cities
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into today’s most pressing topics. Today, we’ve got a fascinating subject that’s been generating quite a buzz: the underground missile cities of Iran. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Montgomery, a military strategist and expert on Middle Eastern defense systems. Dr. Montgomery, thank you for being here.
Dr. Montgomery: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. The recent statements from the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force revealed the existence of these “missile cities” located approximately 500 meters underground. What does this mean for regional security?
Dr. Montgomery: It significantly complicates the security landscape in the Middle East. These underground facilities are not just protective structures; they are a strategic response to perceived threats. The depth makes them practically invulnerable to bombing, including from the most advanced aircraft, such as American bombers. This boosts Iran’s deterrent capabilities and could embolden its actions in the region.
Editor: You mentioned that the commander referred to the visible military installations as the “tip of the iceberg.” What implications does this have for intelligence and military strategy?
Dr. Montgomery: This metaphor indicates a vast, hidden network that extends far beyond what is publicly known. For intelligence agencies, this presents a real challenge. Identifying and monitoring these underground sites is extraordinarily difficult, and it often requires advanced surveillance technology, human intelligence, and sometimes, sheer luck. This secrecy can lead to significant strategic miscalculations if intelligence is based only on visible assets.
Editor: Given the potential for increased military capabilities hidden underground, could this lead to an arms race in the region?
Dr. Montgomery: Absolutely. If neighboring countries, particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia, feel threatened by Iran’s advancements, they might seek to bolster their military capabilities in response. This could lead to an arms race, as these countries develop their own strategies to counteract the threat posed by Iran’s underground missile sites.
Editor: There have been reports of earthquakes occurring in Iran. How might these geological factors impact the integrity of these underground facilities?
Dr. Montgomery: That’s an interesting point. While the depth offers significant protection, geological activity can pose risks. If these missile cities aren’t engineered to withstand seismic activity, they could be compromised. However, it’s likely that Iranian engineers have taken such factors into account when constructing these facilities, given the country’s history with earthquakes. But it’s a risk factor that can’t be ignored.
Editor: In light of these developments, what should the international community do to address the situation?
Dr. Montgomery: Diplomatic engagement is crucial. The international community needs to approach this through dialogue rather than solely military means. It might also be beneficial to encourage transparency and confidence-building measures in the region. we need a multifaceted approach, combining diplomacy, intelligence sharing, and if necessary, sanctions that target specific military capabilities without antagonizing the broader population.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Montgomery, for shedding light on this intricate issue. Your insights remind us that while these underground cities may be hidden, they are certainly not beyond our understanding or our capacity to engage with strategically.
Dr. Montgomery: Thank you for having me. It’s a complex topic that warrants continuous attention.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to explore global issues that impact us all.