The Middle East Conflict: Unveiling Iran's Missile Capabilities
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the region, the United States and Israel have initiated strikes on Iran, igniting a new chapter of tension and uncertainty. President Donald Trump, in a bold statement, asserted that this action was necessary to counter a perceived security threat and offer the Iranian people a chance for change. But here's where it gets controversial...
Trump declared the commencement of "major combat operations" in Iran, a decision that has sparked global debate. He warned of potential casualties, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. These strikes, he claimed, were aimed at neutralizing Iranian missiles and naval power, following repeated warnings to Iran about its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
"The Iranian regime seeks to kill," Trump asserted, highlighting the perceived threat. But what exactly are these ballistic missiles, and why are they so significant?
Unraveling the Mystery of Ballistic Missiles
A ballistic missile is a sophisticated weapon, propelled by rockets and guided during its ascent. However, it follows a free-fall trajectory for most of its flight, delivering warheads containing various payloads, including conventional explosives, biological, chemical, or even nuclear munitions, over varying distances.
Western powers view Iran's ballistic missile arsenal as a dual threat: a conventional military force that could disrupt stability in the Middle East and a potential delivery system for nuclear weapons, should Iran develop them. Iran, however, denies any intention to build atomic bombs.
Iran's Missile Arsenal: A Closer Look
Iran possesses the largest stockpile of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, according to the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. They have imposed a self-restraint, limiting their range to 2,000 km (1,240 miles), which Iranian officials believe is sufficient to protect the country, as it can reach Israel.
Many of Iran's missile sites are strategically located in and around Tehran. There are at least five known underground "missile cities" in various provinces, including Kermanshah and Semnan, and near the Gulf region. These sites house a diverse arsenal of long-range missiles capable of reaching Israel, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Center identifies missiles like the Sejil (2,000 km range), Emad (1,700 km), Ghadr (2,000 km), Shahab-3 (1,300 km), Khorramshahr (2,000 km), and Hoveyzeh (1,350 km) as part of Iran's arsenal. The semi-official Iranian news outlet ISNA published a graphic showcasing nine Iranian missiles with the capability to reach Israel, including the Sejil, which it claimed could fly at over 17,000 km/h with a range of 2,500 km.
The Washington-based Arms Control Association provides a different perspective, listing missiles like the Shahab-1 (300 km), Zolfaghar (700 km), Shahab-3 (800-1,000 km), Emad-1 (under development, 2,000 km), and a Sejil model (1,500-2,500 km) as part of Iran's ballistic arsenal.
Iran's Recent Missile Activities
Iran's use of its missiles has been a topic of concern and controversy. During the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, Tehran fired ballistic missiles into Israel, resulting in the loss of dozens of lives and the destruction of buildings. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and AEI Critical Threats Project estimated that Israel "likely destroyed around a third of the Iranian missile launchers" during this conflict. However, Iranian officials claim that Tehran has recovered from the damage incurred.
Iran also responded to U.S. involvement in Israel's air war by firing missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid air base in Qatar. Tehran provided advance warning, ensuring no casualties. Washington announced a ceasefire shortly after.
In January 2024, Iran's Revolutionary Guards used missiles, claiming to have attacked Israel's spy headquarters in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. They also reported firing at Islamic State militants in Syria. Additionally, Tehran announced missile strikes targeting bases of a Baloch militant group in Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia and the United States have accused Iran of being behind a drone and missile attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities in 2019, an allegation Tehran denies.
In 2020, Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, retaliating for a U.S. drone strike that killed Major General Qassem Soleimani of the Revolutionary Guards.
Iran's Strategic Intentions
Iran justifies its ballistic missile program as a deterrent and retaliatory force against the United States, Israel, and other potential regional targets. According to a 2023 report by Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the U.S.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Iran continues to develop underground missile depots, transport and firing systems, and production and storage centers. In 2020, Iran reportedly fired a ballistic missile from underground for the first time.
"Years of reverse-engineering and missile production have taught Iran about stretching airframes and using lighter composite materials to increase missile range," the report explained.
In June 2023, Iran unveiled what officials described as its first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, according to the official IRNA news agency. Hypersonic missiles can fly at least five times faster than the speed of sound on complex trajectories, making them highly challenging to intercept.
The Arms Control Association suggests that Iran's missile program is largely based on North Korean and Russian designs, with assistance from China.
Iran also possesses cruise missiles, such as the Kh-55, an air-launched nuclear-capable weapon with a range of up to 3,000 km.
And this is the part most people miss... Iran's missile capabilities and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are complex issues with far-reaching implications. As we navigate this intricate web of geopolitical tensions, one question remains: What are your thoughts on the role of ballistic missiles in international relations? Feel free to share your insights and engage in a thought-provoking discussion in the comments below!
