Iran reportedly test-fired two ballistic missiles Wednesday with the phrase “Israel must be wiped out” written in Hebrew on them.
Though phrases of the like have been marked on Iranian missiles before, this new test comes shortly after the implementation of provisions of the nuclear deal, and a United Nations resolution calling on Iran to halt its ballistic missile program. On Jan. 17, the U.S. implemented sanctions against 11 people and companies involved in the nation’s ballistic missile program.
Iran’s Fars news agency said the missiles were fired at a target 870 miles away, according to several press reports. The official IRNA news agency said the test was to show the nation’s “deterrent power” and “all-out readiness to counter any threat.”
Vice President Joe Biden is in Israel for a two-day visit and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who strongly opposed the nuclear deal. Biden told reporters in Jerusalem Wednesday that “we will act” should Iran break the terms of the nuclear deal.
“A nuclear-armed Iran is an absolutely unacceptable threat to Israel, to the region and the United States. If in fact they break the deal, we will act,” he said.
Israel did not immediately comment on the reports of the missile tests.
