Iran says it has lifted its self-imposed limit on missile ranges, and other Mideast news

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has announced it has abandoned a self-imposed limit of 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) for the range of its ballistic missiles, signaling the nation might develop missiles capable of reaching further targets. This development comes amid heightened tensions and concerns over the potential for another large-scale conflict in the region.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khomeini, has warned that any threat, regardless of its nature or scale, from the U.S. or Israel would face a response without geographical limitations.

General Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesperson for Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, confirmed that the previous restriction on missile ranges has been lifted. However, he did not disclose whether Iran possesses missiles capable of surpassing the 2,000-kilometer (1,200-mile) limit, stating instead that any capabilities would be demonstrated in practice rather than through mere statements.

While Iran is not known to have missiles that can reach beyond this limit, which encompasses parts of Greece and the Balkans, as well as the entire Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, and most of Egypt, U.S. officials have suggested that technology from Iran's space program could potentially be repurposed to create intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Additionally, heavy rains have struck the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in makeshift shelters. The flooding has destroyed tents and soaked mattresses and belongings, forcing displaced families to endure another difficult winter. Majed Al-Omari, whose shelter was severely damaged, expressed hope for finding alternative accommodation, as the situation remains dire.

Currently, the U.N. humanitarian office estimates that 294,250 families require shelter assistance during the rainy season, but available resources can only partially aid 18% of those in need due to insufficient funds, slow procurement procedures, and delayed approvals from Israeli authorities.