Iran Unveils New Missile Capable of Breaching US Defenses
The Qassem Basir missile has a range of 1,200 kilometers and is equipped with advanced technology, making it a significant development in Iran's military capabilities. The country's nuclear program remains a point of contention, with the US and Israel calling for its dismantlement, while Iran sees it as a necessary step for generating electricity.
Iran has unveiled a new ballistic missile, the Qassem Basir, which it claims can breach the US THAAD air defense system, with a range of 1,200 km, and has threatened to target US and Israeli bases if they retaliate against Houthi rebels.
The Qassem Basir missile is equipped with optical seekers, making it resistant to electronic jamming, and is capable of penetrating advanced missile-defense systems like THAAD. Iran's Defense Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, stated that the missile was developed to address weaknesses revealed during previous operations and can reach Israel. The unveiling of the new missile comes amid tensions over Iran's nuclear and missile programs, with the US calling for the "total dismantlement" of Iran's nuclear program.
The situation has been further complicated by a recent missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport, which injured at least eight people and bypassed four layers of air defense. Israel has vowed to retaliate against the Houthis, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning of a "sevenfold response". Iran has warned that if the US or Israel initiates a war, it will target their interests, bases, and forces.
The ongoing tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel have raised concerns about the stability of the region, with experts expressing skepticism about the prospects of a nuclear deal. Iran has also faced criticism for its human rights record, with Amnesty International accusing it of arbitrarily executing hundreds of people last year.