Iran's IRGC underground tunnel with speed boats. (Screenshot)
Iran made waves on Saturday, January 18, as it unveiled via its state media a secret underground naval missile base in the Persian Gulf, showcasing its growing military capabilities.
Built 1,650 feet (500 meters) underground, this base is one of several developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to house radar-evading speedboats equipped with long-range cruise missiles.
The announcement has raised eyebrows worldwide, not only for the base’s strategic importance but also for its timing—just days before Donald Trump’s second term as US President begins.
A Closer Look at the Underground Base
The footage released by Iranian state TV revealed long tunnels lined with rows of what are said to be advanced Taregh-class speedboats.
These vessels are designed to evade radar detection and are armed with cruise missiles capable of striking targets at considerable distances.
According to IRGC Chief Commander General Hossein Salami, the base reflects Iran’s ability to conduct long-range operations and wage distant warfare, which he described as critical to countering “enemies big and small.”
“We assure the great nation of Iran that their young people are capable of coming out honourable and victorious from a battle on the seas against enemies big and small,” Salami said.
What makes this base particularly concerning is its purpose. By housing radar-evading vessels and long-range missiles underground, Iran is not just protecting its military assets but also signaling its readiness to engage in high-stakes conflicts if provoked.
Iran made waves on Saturday, January 18, as it unveiled via its state media a secret underground naval missile base in the Persian Gulf, showcasing its growing military capabilities.
Built 1,650 feet (500 meters) underground, this base is one of several developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to house radar-evading speedboats equipped with long-range cruise missiles.
The announcement has raised eyebrows worldwide, not only for the base’s strategic importance but also for its timing—just days before Donald Trump’s second term as US President begins.
A Closer Look at the Underground Base
The footage released by Iranian state TV revealed long tunnels lined with rows of what are said to be advanced Taregh-class speedboats.
These vessels are designed to evade radar detection and are armed with cruise missiles capable of striking targets at considerable distances.
According to IRGC Chief Commander General Hossein Salami, the base reflects Iran’s ability to conduct long-range operations and wage distant warfare, which he described as critical to countering “enemies big and small.”
“We assure the great nation of Iran that their young people are capable of coming out honourable and victorious from a battle on the seas against enemies big and small,” Salami said.
What makes this base particularly concerning is its purpose. By housing radar-evading vessels and long-range missiles underground, Iran is not just protecting its military assets but also signaling its readiness to engage in high-stakes conflicts if provoked.
State media described the speedboats firing rockets at sea during drills, further showcasing the base’s operational capabilities.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveiled an underground naval missile base at an undisclosed Persian Gulf location on Saturday, footage released by IRGC media and the state TV showed, two days before Trump’s return to the White House. pic.twitter.com/1SFzsodMSo
The Timing: Trump’s Second Term and Rising Tensions
The unveiling of this base coincides with the start of Trump’s second term as US President, a move that has left Iranian leaders on edge.
Tehran fears Trump’s return could embolden Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities while Washington tightens sanctions under its “maximum pressure” policy.
Trump’s first term was marked by heightened tensions with Iran, including the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani.
With his return, Iran is bracing for renewed pressure and potential escalations, making the unveiling of this underground base a calculated message to its adversaries.
A Show of Strength Amid Rising Pressures
Iran’s decision to publicize the base comes at a time when the country is conducting massive military drills.
These exercises include simulated defenses of nuclear installations like Natanz against mock missile and drone attacks.
The IRGC’s efforts to enhance its naval and missile capabilities reflect a broader strategy to counter potential threats from the US and its allies, particularly Israel.
For years, Iran has emphasized its ballistic missile program as a key deterrent against regional adversaries.
The unveiling of this underground base is the latest in a series of announcements aimed at showcasing its preparedness and resilience. By doing so, Iran is sending a clear signal: it is ready to defend its interests and respond to any aggression with advanced military technology.
Implications for the Region and Beyond
The new underground base highlights the growing complexity of security dynamics in the Persian Gulf. Iran’s ability to conceal and protect its military assets underground complicates potential efforts to neutralize its capabilities. The base also strengthens Iran’s maritime presence in a region critical to global oil trade, raising concerns about potential disruptions to shipping routes in the event of conflict.
For the US and its allies, this development underscores the need for a coordinated strategy to address Iran’s growing military capabilities. While the base is a defensive measure in Iran’s view, its offensive potential cannot be ignored, especially given the backdrop of ongoing proxy conflicts involving Iranian-backed groups in Yemen, Lebanon, and Gaza.
As tensions simmer in the region, the unveiling of this underground base poses a challenge not just for the US and Israel but also for global powers like Russia and China.
Both countries maintain ties with Tehran and have vested interests in the Middle East. How they respond to Iran’s growing military assertiveness could shape the region’s future security landscape.
Meanwhile, the Gulf states, already wary of Iran’s influence, may seek closer ties with the US to counterbalance Tehran’s capabilities. This could lead to an arms race in the region, further destabilizing an already volatile area.
Final Thoughts
Iran’s unveiling of its underground naval missile base is more than just a display of military strength. It’s a strategic message to the world—a reminder that Tehran is not backing down despite mounting pressures.
With Trump returning to the White House and tensions with Israel simmering, the timing of this announcement is as much about deterrence as it is about signaling readiness.
For the region and the world, this development adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile security situation. Whether it leads to greater dialogue or further escalation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Persian Gulf’s strategic importance has never been more evident.
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