Iran’s Missile Threat: Chemical, Biological, and the Urgent Need for Defense

Published February 24, 2025

How range limitations, unconventional warheads, and strategic risk are reshaping the threat calculus

Israel Pushes for Strict Limits on Iran’s Missile Range

Israeli leaders have been increasingly vocal about the danger posed by Iran’s growing ballistic missile arsenal — not just its nuclear program. According to an analysis published on Forbes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging that any future deal with Tehran force strict limits on the range of Iran’s missile systems, aligning them with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) threshold of no more than 300 kilometers for missiles carrying heavy payloads. Netanyahu’s concern is that without such curbs, Iran could continue to develop and field medium‑ and long‑range systems capable of reaching deep into the region — and eventually Europe — while diplomatic negotiations focus narrowly on nuclear restrictions.

In current Iranian doctrine, missiles are considered an essential defense capability, and Tehran has repeatedly refused to discuss restrictions on its missile program even as it engages in nuclear talks with the United States.

Expanded Arsenal with Dangerous Payload Potential

Beyond range concerns, recent statements by Israeli defense advisers suggest that Iran’s ballistic missile threat is evolving — not just in size but in the type of payloads it could deliver.

According to reports citing Israeli military adviser Brig. Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi, Iran is believed to be producing ballistic missiles capable of carrying chemical and biological warheads. These assessments — referenced by World Israel News and covered in commentary from RedState — warn that Tehran’s ongoing missile production is not limited to conventional explosives and may include unconventional agents that could cause mass casualties or panic if employed.

Avivi stressed that these capabilities are part of Tehran’s preparations for potential confrontation with both the United States and Israel, and that such threats must be addressed — potentially even factored into discussions about military options and timing.

Independent military sources have previously reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has been developing chemical and biological payloads for its ballistic missile fleet — a step that, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalation beyond conventional deterrence strategies.

Implications from a National Security Perspective

From a national security standpoint, Iran’s expanding missile capabilities — particularly the potential use of chemical and biological warheads — raise urgent concerns for regional stability and global security. Key implications include:

1. Priority on Defense Readiness – Nations facing the threat of long-range missiles with unconventional payloads may feel compelled to strengthen missile defense systems, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve civil defense protocols to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.

2. Skepticism Toward Diplomatic Guarantees – Given Tehran’s resistance to limiting missile ranges or disclosing unconventional warhead programs, policymakers may question whether negotiated agreements alone are sufficient to ensure safety, prompting continued vigilance and contingency planning.

3. Strategic Deterrence – Maintaining credible military and technological deterrence becomes essential to prevent adversaries from exploiting perceived weaknesses. Limiting Iran’s missile capabilities, while preparing for potential attacks, reinforces the importance of proactive defense measures.

4. Regional Alliances and Cooperation – Countries in the Middle East and beyond may view close defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint military preparedness as critical tools to counter threats from nations developing high-risk missile programs.

5. Public Awareness and Preparedness – Awareness of the potential for unconventional attacks can justify investments in civil protection programs, emergency response planning, and public education — ensuring that societies are prepared even for low-probability, high-impact scenarios.

Strategic Implications and Regional Security

The combination of expanding missile ranges and the possible integration of unconventional warheads raises the stakes for Israel and its allies.

• Long‑range ballistic systems already in Iran’s inventory, such as medium‑range missiles capable of reaching regional capitals, provide Tehran with strategic leverage and strike options.

• Israeli policymakers argue that limits similar to the MTCR could reduce risk by curbing Tehran’s ability to strike distant targets, though Iran rejects this as an infringement on its defense sovereignty.

• The possibility of chemical or biological delivery via missiles complicates defense planning and civilian protection strategies, making both diplomatic and military responses more complex.

Analysts also warn that the psychological and humanitarian consequences of such weapons — whether real or perceived — could trigger widespread panic even if their tactical military effectiveness remains debated.

In short, the focus is on ensuring security, maintaining deterrence, and preparing for worst-case scenarios, reflecting a perspective that prioritizes national defense and strategic prudence.

Overall Takeaway: Vigilance and Preparedness Are Non-Negotiable

Iran’s expanding missile program — with longer ranges and the potential for chemical or biological warheads — underscores that threats are evolving beyond conventional nuclear concerns. For nations facing these risks, relying solely on diplomacy is not enough; strategic preparedness, advanced defense systems, and regional cooperation are essential to deter aggression and protect civilians.

Ultimately, the situation highlights a fundamental principle of national security: anticipate threats before they materialize, strengthen defenses continuously, and maintain readiness for all scenarios. Ignoring these developments could leave countries vulnerable to both conventional and unconventional attacks, making proactive vigilance a necessity rather than an option.

SOURCES: REDSTATE – Iran May Be Pairing Ballistic Missiles With Chemical Warheads, Israeli Adviser Warns

WORLD ISRAEL NEWS – Not just nukes: Iran producing ballistic missiles with ‘chemical and biological’ warheads

FORBES – Why Israel Advocates Range Limitations On Iran’s Ballistic Missiles