Iran has started to rebuild its missile production sites targeted by Israel during its 12-day war in June. According to the satellite images analysed by international media, the key component of the infrastructure, larger mixers needed to produce solid fuel for the weapons, is still likely missing.
For the Islamic Republic of Iran, reconstructing the missile programme is crucial as the country believes that there can occur another round of war with Israel. These missiles then become Iran’s few deterrents after the war, estimated its defence system.
A missile expert informed international media that obtaining the mixers is a goal for Tehran as it prepares for possible UN sanctions to be imposed on the country later this month. Iran is known for its planetary mixers, which are machines that feature blades that revolve around a central point and offer mixing action. Iran mission to the UN has not responded to questions about the country’s effort to rebuild its missile program as of now.
Iran-Isreal 12 Day War
The Israel-Iran 12-day war held between 13 June–24 June 2025, was an armed struggle in the Middle East region. The war started when Israeli forces surprisingly attacked military and nuclear facilities in Iran and assassinated prominent military leaders, nuclear scientists, and politicians along with damaging or destroying air defence of the country. In retaliation, the Islamic Republic of Iran shot 550 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 suicide drones, hitting civilian population centres like hospitals, military energy, and government sites and other crucial areas in Israel.
However, the United States intercepted Iranian attacks and bombed three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, to which Iran retaliated by firing missiles at the US base in Qatar. Finally, on 24 June, Israel and Iran agreed a ceasefire under US pressure.
The 12-day war was part of the decade-long proxy war with the involvement of the US in the Middle East, while Iran called for Israel’s destruction by arming Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In April 2024, Israel bombed Iran’s consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing Iranian officials. The conflict became direct in April and October in the same year.
UN Sanctions to Come?
Iran’s nuclear program has already caused international concern, with Israel considering it an existential threat. In the same matter in 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), consisting of six countries, lifted sanctions on Iran along with freezing its nuclear program.
On Wednesday, Iran communicated that it has no intentions to build nuclear weapons. The Iranian president Masood Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly that, “I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb. We do not seek nuclear weapons.”
This comes just two days before international sanctions could be imposed on the country over Iran.
In the same matter, on August 28, Britain, France, and Germany launched a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions that are due to end on September 27. The countries also accused Tehran of not abiding by the 2015 deal with world powers aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon. This move was criticised by the Iranian president, saying that it was made at the “behest of the US” and that it is “illegal”.