The article provides an overview of Iran's ballistic missile program, emphasizing its refusal to engage in negotiations concerning missile capabilities. Over decades, Iran has been constructing fortified underground facilities referred to as "missile cities" to safeguard its vast and varied arsenal, which is among the largest in the Middle East. These sites are mainly concentrated around the capital Tehran, with at least five known locations across different provinces, including Kermanshah and Semnan.

A 2023 report from the US-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies notes that Iran has continued to expand these underground installations with advanced transport and firing systems and has established subterranean production and storage centers for missile development. According to Ben Zala, an expert at Monash University, the Iranian regime views the missile program as a critical asset that requires protection. The strategic positioning of these facilities reflects Iran's understanding of the potential threats they face and their commitment to maintaining these capabilities.

The implications of Iran's missile program are significant, as they not only affect regional stability in the Middle East but also have broader international repercussions, particularly concerning negotiations around Iran's nuclear program. As the program advances and becomes more entrenched in underground facilities, it poses ongoing challenges to diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing Iran's military ambitions, leading to heightened tensions with neighboring countries and the international community.