Iran building non-conventional warheads for ballistic missiles, sources say

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is working on the development of chemical and biological warheads for the country’s long-range ballistic missiles, according to reports citing anonymous military sources.

The effort is being coordinated by the IRGC Aerospace Force, which is also redeploying missile launch systems to Iran’s eastern regions, as reported by Iran International.

The sources said work on non-conventional warheads has accelerated in recent months amid rising regional tensions and Tehran’s concerns over a potential direct confrontation with Israel and the United States.

The program reportedly involves modifying missiles to deliver chemical and biological agents, as well as upgrading command, control, and communications systems. Military sources described these capabilities as an “additional deterrence factor” alongside Iran’s conventional missile arsenal, intended to raise the cost of any potential attack by adversaries.

According to the same sources, Iran’s leadership believes the use of non-conventional weapons could be justified if the country’s existence were threatened.

Western intelligence agencies have reportedly stepped up monitoring of IRGC missile force movements and related command signals. Analysts warn that the deployment of chemical or biological warheads would significantly alter the deterrence balance in the Middle East and could trigger international condemnation, new sanctions, and increased pressure on Tehran.

Iran has consistently denied pursuing non-conventional weapons, stating that it complies with its international obligations. However, its missile program—marked in recent years by expanding range, improved accuracy, and a growing variety of payloads—remains a major source of concern for Western countries and regional states.

By Khagan Isayev