CENTCOM: Iran's Threat is Graver than Ever

CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth F. McKenzie (File photo: AFP)
CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth F. McKenzie (File photo: AFP)
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CENTCOM: Iran's Threat is Graver than Ever

CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth F. McKenzie (File photo: AFP)
CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth F. McKenzie (File photo: AFP)

The commander of the US Central Command, General Kenneth McKenzie, has said that Iran is the most immediate threat to the US interests in the Middle East and the region's security in general.

McKenzie warned that "the threat posed by Iran is graver than ever."

Speaking at a hearing held by the Senate Armed Services Committee, McKenzie explained that Iran's threat extends from its proxies in Yemen to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and even the border with Israel.

"Houthis have targeted Saudi Arabia's largest cities and its critical oil infrastructure. Recently, the Houthis have raised the stakes further by using the same high-end Iranian weapons," said the commander.

McKenzie indicated that Iran is the main reason that prevents a solution to the Yemen crisis, saying: "Houthis are prepared to further escalate this conflict using whatever means the Iranians put at their disposal, even at the risk of inflicting mass civilian casualties and threatening American forces."

"CENTCOM continues to support diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Yemen."

He said that Tehran also supports its militias in Iraq and Syria to launch a continuous campaign of indirect attacks against the US and coalition forces, hoping to push them out of the region.

He noted that Iran had developed ballistic missiles that "could be configured to deliver them and has conducted numerous launches to test those missile systems. These actions continue to demonstrate Iran's defiance and willingness to undermine international norms with threats against US interests and those of our partners and allies."

The official reported that Iran has developed and amassed sophisticated ballistic missile forces and is at the cutting edge in developing aerial and maritime unmanned systems.

"Their missiles have significantly greater range and significantly enhanced accuracy," he said, adding Iran made "remarkable" advancements in its missile program.

McKenzie noted that Tehran has more than 3,000 ballistic missiles of various types, some of which can reach Tel Aviv.

"None of them can reach Europe yet, but over the last five to seven years … they have invested heavily in their ballistic missile program."

He expressed his support for the efforts of the US administration to bring Iran back into the nuclear agreement, indicating that the main objective is to ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.

"A primary objective of our policy in the region is for Iran not to possess a nuclear weapon... I think the best and most effective way to get to that position is through a negotiated agreement, which I fully support."



Iran Says Continuing Uranium Enrichment on Its Soil 'Red Line'

People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)
People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)
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Iran Says Continuing Uranium Enrichment on Its Soil 'Red Line'

People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)
People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that Iran's right to enrich uranium on its soil was a "red line" after the United States submitted its proposal for a new nuclear deal.

"Continuing enrichment on Iranian soil is our red line," Araghchi said while on a visit to Lebanon, adding that his country will respond to the proposal in the coming days based on Iran's "principled positions and the interests of the Iranian people".

US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated that Iran will not be allowed any enrichment of uranium under a potential deal with Washington.

Araghchi said the US proposal, submitted through mediator Oman, has "many ambiguities and questions".

On Saturday, Iran said it received "elements" of a US proposal for a nuclear deal following five rounds of talks that started in April and were mediated by Oman.

Uranium enrichment has remained a key point of contention between Washington and Tehran in the talks to seal a nuclear deal, with Iran defending what it says is its right to pursue a peaceful nuclear energy program and the US calling it a "red line".

"We will not ask anyone for permission to continue enriching uranium in Iran. However, we are ready to take steps... to ensure that this enrichment will not lead to the production of nuclear weapons," Araghchi said.

Araghchi was visiting Beirut following a stop in Cairo on Monday, where he met with Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Grossi on Monday called for more transparency from Iran following a leaked report that showed Tehran had increased production of highly enriched uranium.

The IAEA report showed that Iran has ramped up production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity -- close to the roughly 90 percent level needed for atomic weapons.

Western countries, including the United States, have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.