Iran's Underground Missile Cities: A Non-Negotiable Strategic Priority
For decades, Iran has been quietly constructing a network of fortified underground "cities" designed to house one of the Middle East's most extensive and diverse ballistic missile arsenals. But here's where it gets controversial: while the international community, particularly the United States, pushes for restrictions on Iran's missile program, Tehran staunchly refuses to negotiate, viewing it as a non-negotiable pillar of its national security and regional influence. This standoff raises critical questions about global security, the balance of power in the Middle East, and the limits of diplomatic efforts.
These underground facilities, often referred to as "missile cities," are strategically located across Iran, with many concentrated in and around the capital, Tehran. At least five such sites are known to exist in provinces like Kermanshah, Semnan, and near the Gulf region. According to a 2023 report by the US-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Iran continues to expand these complexes, equipping them with advanced transport and firing systems, as well as subterranean production and storage centers. And this is the part most people miss: these facilities are not just storage sites; they are highly fortified structures designed to withstand even the most aggressive military strikes, making them nearly impossible to destroy completely.
Ben Zala, a senior lecturer in politics and international relations at Monash University, emphasizes that Iran has made protecting its missile stockpiles a top priority. "They know their missile program is a target, which is why they've invested so heavily in these underground facilities," he explains. "The fortification of these structures makes them incredibly resilient."
The US has repeatedly warned about the growing "lethality and precision" of Iranian missiles, insisting that nuclear negotiations must include restrictions on Iran's weapons program. However, Tehran sees its missile force as a strategic deterrent against threats from the US, Israel, and their allies, as well as a tool to project power in the region. Iranian officials have drawn a clear line in the sand: their ballistic missile program is not—and will never be—up for negotiation.
What Exactly Are Ballistic Missiles?
Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled weapons capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads. Once launched, they follow a unique trajectory: soaring to high altitudes before plunging toward their targets at incredible speeds. This steep, rapid descent makes them significantly harder to intercept than cruise missiles or drones. For Iran, these missiles represent a critical strategic asset, especially as other components of its military have been constrained by decades of sanctions.
Shahram Akbarzadeh, a professor of Middle East and Central Asian politics at Deakin University, notes that while sanctions have limited Iran's ability to modernize its armed forces, the country has managed to expand and maintain its drone and missile programs. "These programs are now Iran's last strategic asset," he says. Historically, Iran relied on a network of proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas to deter attacks from Israel and the US. However, recent conflicts have severely weakened these groups, leaving Iran increasingly dependent on its missile capabilities.
Iran's Missile Arsenal: A Closer Look
According to US intelligence estimates, Iran possesses 14 different types of ballistic missiles, with an inventory that once stood at around 3,000 before recent strikes by the US and Israel. The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlighted in March 2025 that Iran continues to enhance the lethality and precision of its domestically produced missile systems, boasting the largest stockpiles in the region. These include close-range, short-range, and medium-range systems, with the longest-range variant capable of traveling up to 2,000 kilometers.
In 2024, Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA published a graphic showcasing nine missile types it claimed could reach Israel—a distance requiring a range of over 1,000 kilometers. Iran has reportedly used medium-range ballistic missiles like the Emad, Ghadr-1, and its first hypersonic missile, the Fattah-1, in past attacks. Hypersonic missiles, which can travel at least five times the speed of sound on complex trajectories, are particularly challenging to intercept.
However, Professor Akbarzadeh cautions that while Iran often showcases its latest missiles to send a message to Israel and the US, the actual size and capabilities of its arsenal may sometimes be exaggerated by authorities.
Missiles in Regional Conflicts
Iran's missile capabilities were on full display during the 12-day war with Israel in June last year. During this conflict, Iran fired approximately 500 ballistic missiles at Israel, with some attacks involving waves of over 100 missiles. Notably, some of these missiles managed to penetrate Israel's multi-layered air defense systems, including the Iron Dome. Professor Zala estimates that the Iron Dome intercepted only about a third of the missiles fired, underscoring their effectiveness and Iran's reluctance to abandon this program.
The human cost of these attacks was significant. Israeli authorities reported 28 deaths and over 3,000 injuries, while Iran claimed that Israeli strikes killed 935 people in their country. Tehran also retaliated against US involvement by firing missiles at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, though no injuries were reported after advance warnings were given.
The Idealism of Limiting Iran's Missiles
The US has repeatedly threatened further military action against Iran if agreements are not reached on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Ahead of recent talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that negotiations must address "the range of their ballistic missiles." However, these talks did not include missile limitations, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the "missile issue" remains non-negotiable.
Professor Zala describes US efforts to restrict Iran's missile program as "idealistic, even naive." "Iran is under no international obligation to limit its missile capabilities," he explains. "There’s no precedent for a state accepting such restrictions simply because another state demands it."
The issue is unlikely to fade away, especially as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to label Iran's missile program and nuclear ambitions as "two lumps of cancer." His office insists that any negotiations must include limits on ballistic missiles and an end to support for Iran's regional proxies.
A Thought-Provoking Question for You
As tensions persist, the question remains: Can the international community find a middle ground that addresses global security concerns while respecting Iran's sovereignty? Or is this standoff destined to escalate further? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your perspective on this complex and contentious issue.
