Iran Unveils Advanced Long-Range Missile as Strains with U.S. Escalate

A missile is fired from a vessel during a security drill in the Persian Gulf on January 24, 2025

Iran’s Ministry of Defense has introduced a new solid-fuel ballistic missile, claiming it can reach targets over 1,200 kilometers away.

The missile, named Qassem Basir, was revealed against the backdrop of increasing friction with the United States, particularly over Iran’s nuclear agenda and accusations of supporting the Houthi movement in Yemen. The missile was most recently tested on April 17, according to official Iranian sources.

State-run television broadcast the missile’s unveiling during an interview with Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh, who dismissed U.S. allegations that Tehran is arming the Houthis. The group had recently launched an attack aimed at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, escalating regional instability.

In response to the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed strong retaliation against both the Houthis and what he called their Iranian sponsors.

Nasirzadeh emphasized that Yemen acts independently and not under Iran’s direction. He also cautioned that any aggression toward Iran would result in U.S. military installations in the region being deemed legitimate targets.

Meanwhile, Washington continues efforts to curb Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which many fear could be used to develop nuclear weapons. Diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalation were scheduled to occur in Rome on May 3, but those negotiations have now been delayed.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his administration’s readiness to launch military strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites if diplomacy proves ineffective.