In recent years, attention to Iran’s missile program has intensified due to shifts in the balance of power in the Middle East and potential implications for Europe. For Spain, this issue is significant: although the country does not fall within the range of Iranian missiles, the situation affects the security of the entire continent and could impact Madrid’s interests in the region.
Iran possesses the largest and most diverse arsenal of ballistic missiles and drones in the Middle East. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, prior to recent conflicts, Tehran had around 3,000 ballistic missiles at its disposal, though actual tests have shown that their maximum range does not exceed 2,000 kilometers. Longer ranges have been discussed in theory, but in practice, no missile is capable of reaching Spain—even the longest-range drones cannot fly more than 2,500 kilometers.
Missile capabilities
The distance between Tehran and Madrid is over 6,000 kilometers, and from Iran’s western borders to southern Spain is more than 3,500 kilometers. This means that even with maximum technical capabilities, Iranian missiles cannot reach Spanish territory. Rather than extending their range, Iranian engineers have focused on increasing precision, speed, and the ability to overcome modern missile defense systems.
Iran’s arsenal includes missiles of varying ranges: Shahab-1 and Fateh-110 (up to 300 km), Shahab-2, Fateh-313, and Raad-500 (up to 500 km), Quds-1 (600 km), Ya-Ali and Zolfaghar (700 km), Qiam (800 km), Soumar and Hoveyzeh (1,350 km), Ghadr (1,950 km), Shahab-3, Emad, Khorramshahr, and Sejil (up to 2,000 km). According to the Arms Control Association, the Sejil model could reach up to 2,500 km in the future, but it is still in the testing phase. Among drones, the Shahed-131 (900 km) and Shahed-136 (2,500 km) stand out.
European countries under threat
Although Spain is outside the strike zone, the range of Iranian missiles covers a significant part of Europe. Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Baltic states, as well as Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine are all at risk. For some countries, such as Turkey or Ukraine, medium-range missiles are enough to reach their territory.
Iran actively supplies missiles, rockets, and drones to its allies and partners in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Russia. This poses additional risks for European states, as these technologies could fall into the hands of various groups and be used in regional conflicts.
Technologies and priorities
In recent years, Tehran has focused on improving the accuracy and speed of its missiles, as well as developing countermeasures against missile defenses. This has enabled Iranian forces to increase the effectiveness of strikes on long-range targets, despite limitations in maximum range. At the same time, experts note that Iran is not pursuing intercontinental missiles but is concentrating on strengthening its regional position and demonstrating its deterrence capabilities.
The impact of Iran’s missile program on European security is discussed at the NATO and European Union levels. In recent years, EU countries have intensified monitoring and analysis of threats linked to the proliferation of missile technologies and drones. The issue of Iranian arms supplies to conflict zones remains the subject of international negotiations and sanctions.
Between 2024 and 2026, the use of Iranian drones and missiles in various conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Middle East, was repeatedly discussed in Europe. These events underscore the importance of ongoing controls over the proliferation of advanced weaponry and the need for coordination among EU countries. Attention to Iranian technology has grown in recent years following attacks on infrastructure in Middle Eastern states and the delivery of drones to war zones. Security and the control of missile system proliferation remain a central focus for European and international organizations.
