Iran's Missile Test & U.S. Sanctions: Strategic Timing Amid Nuclear Talks Iran demonstrated military readiness on February 5, 2026, with the test launch of its Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile—a liquid-fueled system capable of reaching speeds of Mach 16. The missile, fired from an underground "missile city" facility by the IRGC, boasts a 2,000 km range and can carry warheads weighing 1,500–2,000 kg. This test coincided with indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman, concluding on February 6. Iranian officials framed the launch as a signal that negotiations—will not compromise defensive capabilities. Within 24 hours, the U.S. responded with sanctions targeting Iran’s oil "shadow fleet" (February 6, 2026), escalating pressure amid stalled diplomacy. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Military Signalling. 🔹 Diplomatic Tensions. 🔹 Regional Implications. As geopolitical friction persists, these events underscore the fragile balance between diplomacy and escalation. Dr Gulrez Sheikh
