Iran’s New ‘Doomsday’ Missile Can Strike US Bases — But Can It Really Beat Israel’s Defenses?
Iran has just unveiled its latest ballistic missile, the upgraded Martyr Hajj Qassem, boasting a terrifying 1,200 km range — enough to strike U.S. bases across the Persian Gulf. The missile, reportedly equipped with advanced maneuvering capabilities and an electronic warfare-resistant navigation system, is designed to “penetrate air defenses” with precision. But as tensions with Israel escalate, experts are questioning whether this new weapon is a genuine threat or just another piece of Tehran’s psychological warfare strategy.
The timing of the missile’s reveal is no coincidence — it came just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran and its Houthi proxies in Yemen. Following a suspected Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, Netanyahu accused Iran of pulling the strings, vowing to deliver a “proper warning” to Tehran. The new missile, analysts say, is Iran’s way of flexing its muscles, signaling that any Israeli retaliation could trigger a devastating response.
But does Iran’s new missile really change the military balance? Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, notes that while the weapon can’t reach Israel from Iranian soil, it poses a serious threat to American forces in the Gulf. “The focus on maneuverability suggests Iran is trying to outsmart U.S. missile defenses,” he says. Given America’s strong track record of intercepting Iranian projectiles, however, the real question is whether this missile can actually deliver on its promises.
Skepticism remains high among defense experts. Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, warns that Iran’s claims should be taken “with a pinch of salt.” Tehran has a history of exaggerating its military advancements for deterrence purposes. “They want Israel to think twice before striking,” Krieg explains. “But whether this missile is as advanced as they say is another matter.”
Beyond missiles, Iran has been rapidly expanding its military arsenal, from domestically produced drone carriers to Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets. Each new weapon serves as a message to adversaries: Iran is preparing for a wider conflict. But with Israel’s advanced air defenses and U.S. military presence in the region, Tehran’s threats may be more about posturing than actual capability.
As Netanyahu weighs his next move, the world watches to see if Iran’s latest missile is a game-changer or just another bluff in a high-stakes geopolitical standoff. One thing is certain — the Middle East is inching closer to a dangerous escalation, and Tehran’s new weapon could be the spark that ignites it.
The timing of the missile’s reveal is no coincidence — it came just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran and its Houthi proxies in Yemen. Following a suspected Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, Netanyahu accused Iran of pulling the strings, vowing to deliver a “proper warning” to Tehran. The new missile, analysts say, is Iran’s way of flexing its muscles, signaling that any Israeli retaliation could trigger a devastating response.
But does Iran’s new missile really change the military balance? Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, notes that while the weapon can’t reach Israel from Iranian soil, it poses a serious threat to American forces in the Gulf. “The focus on maneuverability suggests Iran is trying to outsmart U.S. missile defenses,” he says. Given America’s strong track record of intercepting Iranian projectiles, however, the real question is whether this missile can actually deliver on its promises.
Skepticism remains high among defense experts. Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, warns that Iran’s claims should be taken “with a pinch of salt.” Tehran has a history of exaggerating its military advancements for deterrence purposes. “They want Israel to think twice before striking,” Krieg explains. “But whether this missile is as advanced as they say is another matter.”
Beyond missiles, Iran has been rapidly expanding its military arsenal, from domestically produced drone carriers to Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets. Each new weapon serves as a message to adversaries: Iran is preparing for a wider conflict. But with Israel’s advanced air defenses and U.S. military presence in the region, Tehran’s threats may be more about posturing than actual capability.
As Netanyahu weighs his next move, the world watches to see if Iran’s latest missile is a game-changer or just another bluff in a high-stakes geopolitical standoff. One thing is certain — the Middle East is inching closer to a dangerous escalation, and Tehran’s new weapon could be the spark that ignites it.
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