Iran Unveils Advanced Ballistic Missile Capable of Penetrating U.S. Defense Systems, Escalates Regional Tensions

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Iran has announced the successful test of a new medium-range ballistic missile—Qassem Basir—boasting advanced capabilities designed to evade some of the world’s most sophisticated air defense systems, including the U.S.-made THAAD, currently deployed in Israel.

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh claims the solid-fueled missile has a range of 1,200 kilometers and can breach layered missile defense systems. “With the latest upgrade, Israel will intercept no more than five out of 200 missiles,” he declared on Iranian state television. The missile, he added, was specifically developed to overcome shortcomings exposed during Iran’s previous missile and drone campaigns—True Promise 1 and 2—against Israel.

The missile test, aired by Iranian state TV on May 4, featured footage of the Qassem Basir striking its intended target. Tasnim News Agency, closely linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), described the missile as an upgraded version of the “Martyr Hajj Qassem,” named after Qassem Soleimani, the IRGC Quds Force commander killed by a U.S. drone strike in 2020.

The announcement came just hours after Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched a missile attack near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, injuring several civilians and causing brief flight disruptions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Iran’s involvement, vowing retaliation against both the Houthis and Tehran.

According to experts, the Qassem Basir is Iran’s first medium-range ballistic missile equipped with an optical seeker, marking a leap forward in targeting precision. Russian weapons analyst Yuri Lyamin stated that the new missile now replaces the Zolfaghar Basir as Iran’s longest-range missile with such technology.

Nasirzadeh emphasized the missile’s resilience against electronic jamming and its capability to penetrate even advanced interception systems. “We hold no animosity toward our neighboring nations—they are like sisters—but U.S. military installations are our targets,” he said, sending a pointed message to Arab countries hosting American forces.

Iranian media further claimed that Qassem Basir missiles have already been stationed in concealed bases across the country, ready to be deployed should conflict erupt. “Iran does not seek confrontation,” Nasirzadeh added, “but will respond firmly if challenged.”

Meanwhile, new revelations about Iran’s cyber activities have intensified regional unease. A detailed report from cybersecurity firm Fortinet revealed that Iranian hackers—known as the Lemon Sandstorm group—had infiltrated critical infrastructure across the Middle East for over two years. “This cyber campaign is among the most complex ever discovered in the region,” Fortinet experts noted, citing Iranian efforts to control physical systems managing water and electricity supplies.

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