Escalation in Middle East: Iran Deploys New Missile Against Israel
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a salvo of 40 ballistic missiles, including the newly unveiled Kheybar Shekan, striking Israeli cities following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Missile Barrage and Its Impact
The missile barrage targeted northern and central Israeli regions, with at least 10 locations confirmed struck. Air-raid sirens blared across major cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, where rescue teams responded to at least 31 injuries, including some serious cases. Though Israel's Iron Dome and other missile defense systems intercepted multiple warheads, officials acknowledged the challenge posed by Iran's advanced missile technology.
Introducing the Kheybar Shekan Missile
The Kheybar Shekan missile was launched against Israel for the first time in this offensive. Unveiled in 2022, it represents a leap in Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. Key features include:
- Type: Surface-to-surface ballistic missile
- Fuel: Solid-fueled for rapid deployment
- Range: Over 1,450 kilometers
- Mobility: Mounted on camouflaged, road-mobile platforms
- Evasion capabilities: Designed to penetrate advanced air defenses
- Maneuverability: High in-flight maneuvering complicates interception
The missile’s mobility is enhanced by mounting on a 10-wheel civilian-style chassis, allowing it to move stealthily and launch quickly, making tracking before launch extremely difficult.
Retaliation Follows U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
This missile attack was launched hours after the United States executed precision strikes on Iran's key nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The U.S. employed B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles armed with specialized 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs designed to target fortified underground installations.
Instead of backing down, Iran retaliated robustly, signaling that its missile capabilities remain a potent threat within the region, particularly against Israel. This development underscores the deepening conflict and the complex geopolitical tensions escalating in the Middle East.
