Iran threatens to use more advanced ballistic missiles if attacked by Israel

As its military braces for a possible resumption of war with Israel, Iran announced on Wednesday that it is ready for any renewed Israeli assault, declaring it has developed missiles with greater capabilities than those deployed in the recent 12-day conflict.

According to the official IRNA news agency, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh stated: “The missiles used during the 12-day war were produced by the Ministry of Defense years ago. Today, we have manufactured and now possess missiles with greater capabilities than the previous ones. If the Zionist enemy embarks on another adventure, we will certainly use these missiles.”

Israel began striking Iran in mid-June, sparking a war during which Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks. The Israeli strikes killed senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of others, targeting both military installations and residential areas. The United States also carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in place since June 24.

Since then, Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that clashes could resume at any moment, stressing that Tehran does not seek war but is prepared for any confrontation.

On Monday, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref emphasized that Iran must remain “ready for confrontation at any time,” adding: “We are not under a ceasefire, we are in a state of suspended hostilities.”

Iranian media reported that the army will launch two days of military exercises starting Thursday, involving a wide array of short- and medium-range cruise missiles.

Western governments have consistently voiced concern over Iran’s missile program, describing it as a threat to regional security. In July, France called for a “comprehensive agreement” with Tehran, covering not only its nuclear program but also its missile program and regional ambitions. Iran, however, maintains that its military capabilities are not up for negotiation.

Although the defense minister did not specify which missiles were referenced in his latest warning, Iran possesses a diverse arsenal developed in recent years. Among the most notable, recently revealed and deployed in the latest round of tensions, are:

• Fattah and Fattah-2 missiles: hypersonic missiles that travel several times the speed of sound, making them extremely difficult for conventional air defense systems to intercept. They can maneuver within the atmosphere and alter trajectory to evade interceptors, with a range that covers most of Israel’s territory.
• Kheibar Shekan missile: a solid-fuel ballistic missile with a range of 1,400 kilometers, capable of reaching targets in Israel. Its ability to maneuver during the terminal phase of flight makes interception particularly difficult.
• Other ballistic missiles: Iran also possesses a large arsenal of medium- and long-range missiles, such as the Qadr, Emad, and Shahab systems. These are capable of carrying heavy warheads with high accuracy over long distances and are considered a cornerstone of Iran’s deterrence strategy.

Iran continues to advance its missile program, regularly unveiling new and upgraded models, reinforcing its role in the regional deterrence balance.