Iran-Israel Conflict: Tensions in West Asia have reached a boiling point as Iran launched a massive missile counterattack on Israel, following US airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites. At least 11 people were injured in the Iranian assault, which targeted multiple civilian locations in Tel Aviv, including a shopping center, a bank, and residential buildings. Iran confirmed it fired at least 40 missiles, including the long-range Khorramshahr-4, capable of delivering a 1,500 kg warhead. The use of such advanced weaponry signals a serious escalation, raising fears that the regional conflict may spiral into a wider and potentially nuclear confrontation.
Iran Fires 40 Missiles, Deploys Khorramshahr-4
Iran's state-run television reported that the Khorramshahr-4 missile, with a striking range of 2,000 kilometers and capable of carrying a 1,500 kg warhead, was used in the attacks. Designed to deliver heavy payloads over long distances, the missile marks a significant step in Iran’s military retaliation.
According to statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), at least 40 missiles were launched in response to the US strikes, with Khorramshahr-4 among the primary weapons deployed. Government media outlets aired archival footage of the missile, asserting that it was the same type used in Saturday's assault on Israel.
Targeted Locations in Israel
Iranian missiles reportedly struck:
- A shopping center
- A bank compound
- A hair salon
- A residential district in northern Tel Aviv
Local sources confirmed widespread damage: shattered windows, broken doors, and debris scattered across the streets. One resident recounted how his home’s first floor was destroyed in the blast, though he escaped harm because he was away at the time.
Khorramshahr-4: A Missile Named from History
The missile derives its name from Khorramshahr, a city in Iran that witnessed brutal combat during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. It is also referred to as ‘Kheibar’, referencing a historic Jewish fortress in present-day Saudi Arabia that was overtaken by Muslim forces in the 7th century. Iran invokes this name as a symbol of both historical significance and strategic pride.
High Alert in Tel Aviv as War Escalates in West Asia
Following Iran’s counteroffensive, Israel has declared a state of high alert, activating emergency services and hospitals across major cities. Military analysts believe that the conflict, originally limited to targeted strikes, is now rapidly escalating into a broader regional confrontation.
The deployment of long-range missiles such as Khorramshahr-4 signals that Iran has now entered the battlefield with full force. Experts caution that this marks the beginning of a new and dangerous phase in the Israel-Iran conflict.
A Step Closer to Nuclear Brinkmanship?
As missile strikes become more frequent and far-reaching, concerns are mounting over whether the conflict could slide into a nuclear confrontation. The use of advanced missile systems capable of carrying heavy warheads suggests that Iran is now directly targeting Israel’s strategic assets—a shift that may have severe implications for regional and global security.
