Full Breakdown
Iran Claims New Missile Capability Amid Renewed U.S.-Iran Strikes
7/20/2026, 3:02:45 AM
Core Event
Senior Iranian official Seyed Mohammad Marandi, identified in the reporting as an Iranian-American academic and regime “mouthpiece,” asserted that Tehran has introduced a “new missile” and is preparing for a possible U.S. ground invasion. His comments came on the eighth day of intensified U.S.–Iran hostilities, after fresh explosions rocked western and southern Iran and after missile and drone salvos were launched at U.S.-linked facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Background: Ceasefire Collapse and Strategic Stakes
The escalation follows the breakdown of a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) that sought a 60-day ceasefire and the resumption of nuclear talks. Control of the Strait of Hormuz has become the focal point of the conflict. President Donald Trump ordered renewed airstrikes weeks after the MOU’s implementation and, on July 14, floated the possibility of a ground campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. officials have framed Iran’s missile activity as central to the war rationale, while President Trump has downplayed the missile threat, stating that Iran’s missiles “aren’t the problem.” Iranian state media attributed recent explosions in Khorramabad to U.S. missiles launched from regional bases in Kuwait.
Criticism & Opposition
Marandi’s remarks are presented by the outlet as commentary from a figure described as a regime spokesperson, raising questions about the independence of his analysis. The report does not provide independent verification of the alleged new missile system or of Iran’s claimed readiness for a land war.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They fire them, and then they go back to their bases, or they take out different missiles and drones, spread them out in different areas, put them apart from one another so that the Americans cannot bomb them in large numbers.” — Seyed Mohammad Marandi
- “Everything has been spread out in Iran and placed underground.” — Seyed Mohammad Marandi
- “Iran has that advantage, and of course, it has been accumulating missiles and drones for decades now, and it is doing so even now,” — Seyed Mohammad Marandi
- “They, I think, last night introduced a new missile to the war,” — Seyed Mohammad Marandi
- “The Iranians — we discussed this during the 40-day war before on your show — when I said that the Iranians actually want the Americans to carry out a land invasion, and the same is true now, because they felt that if there was a land invasion, they would win,” — Seyed Mohammad Marandi
