Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Saturday that a self-imposed limit on the range of its ballistic missiles has been officially lifted. The statement suggests the country may pursue the development of missiles capable of reaching more distant targets, a move that occurs amid growing concerns about a potential resumption of all-out war in the region.
General Hossein Mohebbi, the spokesman for the IRGC, made the comments at a press conference in Tehran. He stated that the previous restriction, which capped missile range at 2,000 kilometers, was no longer in effect. Mohebbi added that Iran intends to demonstrate these new capabilities in practice rather than through verbal declarations. He did not specify whether the country currently possesses missiles that exceed the former limit.
The announcement comes just days after a statement attributed to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khomeini, indicated that any threat from the United States or Israel, regardless of its level, would face a response without geographic constraints. Under the previous 2,000-kilometer limit, Iran’s missiles could reach parts of Greece and the Balkans, the entire Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, and most of Egypt.
Despite the claimed restrictions, reports indicate that Iran attempted to strike the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean in March. The target was located approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iran, and the attempt reportedly failed. US officials have also noted that technology derived from Iran’s space program can be repurposed to build intercontinental ballistic missiles.
In Washington, NBC News reported that President Donald Trump was advised by some of his staff to restart major combat operations against Iran before the new Congress is sworn in in January. This window was identified as existing before Tuesday’s midterm elections. The report cited two US officials who said that the subsequent takeover of both houses of Congress by Democrats reinforced the urgency, as the new legislature could hamper military operations through investigations, budget cuts, and legislative action.
The officials noted that Trump has not yet decided to resume full-scale conflict, although he has previously approved and then withdrawn operations shortly before their launch. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on these discussions. However, Trump stated late Friday that the US military had carried out limited strikes on Iran, targeting an air defense system in what he described as a minor operation involving an anti-aircraft device.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war have also intensified. Washington Post columnist David Ignatius reported that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reached out to China with Trump’s blessing to use its influence over Tehran. China has in turn contacted Iran to help end the conflict.
On the operational front, the US military announced the launch of Task Force Iron Gate, a new unit based in Tampa, Florida. The task force aims to crack down on Tehran’s movement of advanced weapons and other sanctioned materials over its land borders and through the Caspian Sea. It will also focus on halting the flow of dual-use technologies and stemming illegal revenue streams.
The establishment of this task force highlights the continued US effort to increase pressure on Tehran, more than eight months after the war began. A Reuters investigation revealed that Iran has created a secret network to import at least $2 billion in hardware, explosives, and trucks since January 2025. This material entered the country via cargo ships from Russia, trucks from Central Asia, and freight planes from China, evading the US naval blockade and Western sanctions.
Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of Central Command, stated that strengthening collaboration with interagency partners will further constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism and rebuild its military. Central Command estimates that its naval blockade has already prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil.
