Fears of a major escalation in the US-Israel-Iran conflict are growing after reports in Iranian media claimed Tehran is preparing intercontinental ballistic missiles in response to any future attack. The reports allege that Iran could be preparing as many as 500 long-range missiles capable of striking targets deep inside the United States, including Washington, DC and New York City. The shocking claims come as peace talks remain deadlocked and speculation intensifies over a possible renewed US-Israel offensive against Iran. If true, the development would represent one of the most dramatic escalations in Iran’s military posture in decades. Iran already possesses the largest missile arsenal in the Middle East, including thousands of ballistic and cruise missiles stored in underground “missile cities” spread across the country.