Iran protests continue to rage on streets as officials renew threats
PBS NewsHourJUL 2022
The Spin
Pro-Iran narrative
While, ironically, America's withdrawal from the 2015 agreement was intended to curb Iran's missile program, instead Tehran has achieved a historic feat in joining an exclusive international military elite. The Fattah missile is a response to threats from both Israel and the US, and because Iran's military technology continues to make significant progress, hostile actors will now think twice about inflicting aggression.
Anti-Iran narrative
Available facts concerning Iran's latest missile cast doubt on the state's claim of success. With current technology producing similar missiles of a speed of around 5-8 Machs, Iran's claim of 15 Machs seems like an exaggeration. In addition, no information was given concerning whether such a speed would be during initial phases, or rather when reaching a target. With many Russian claims of a hypersonic weapon being proved wrong during the Ukraine war, Iran's unveiling should be taken with a generous pinch of salt.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 3% chance of the US rejoining the Iran Nuclear Deal by 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
