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Iran Unveils Advanced Ballistic Missile Amid Heightened Regional Tensions

The Qassem Basir missile, featuring enhanced targeting capabilities and a 1,200 km range, signals Tehran's deterrence posture as nuclear talks stall and proxy conflicts escalate.

A demonstrator holds a poster of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh with Arabic writing: "Congratulations Haniyeh!" during a pro-Palestinian gathering in Tehran, Iran, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Demonstrators pray during their pro-Palestinian gathering in Tehran, Iran, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
A big banner depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is placed next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran, on September 26, 2024 on the sideline of an exhibition which marks the 44th anniversary of the start of Iran-Iraq war.
A demonstrator holds a copy of Islam's holy book, Quran, during a pro-Palestinian gathering in Tehran, Iran, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Overview

  • Iran's defense ministry showcased the solid-fueled Qassem Basir missile, capable of striking targets with pinpoint accuracy without GPS guidance.
  • The missile, tested on April 17, boasts a range of at least 1,200 kilometers and advanced maneuverability to evade anti-ballistic defenses.
  • Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that U.S. and Israeli bases and interests would be targeted if either initiates military action against Iran.
  • The announcement follows a Houthi missile strike near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, which Israel attributes to Iranian backing, escalating regional hostilities.
  • U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, postponed earlier this month, remain suspended, increasing fears of broader conflict as diplomatic efforts falter.