Middle East News, December 15, 2025, Avia.pro. Satellite images of the Iranian Shahroud facility, known as the "cigar factory" for its production of rocket boosters, indicate ongoing mass production of ballistic missiles. According to an analysis of recent commercial satellite images, between 350 and 450 boosters have recently been detected at one site, indicating a significant expansion of production capacity. This facility, located in Semnan Province, has long attracted the attention of Western analysts due to its role in Iran's missile program.

Images obtained in December 2025 confirm the findings of experts from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, who reported last year on the construction of new facilities to increase production. The activity at Shahroud coincides with Iran's recent military exercises, including missile launches near the Strait of Hormuz, heightening Western concerns. Analysts believe such production volumes may be linked to missile exports to allied countries or to bolster Iran's position in the region against Israel and Saudi Arabia. Officials in Tehran have not yet commented on these reports.