Tehran, June 24— In a dramatic escalation of its ongoing confrontation with Israel, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unveiled and deployed its advanced ‘Kheibar’ (Qadr-H) ballistic missile for the first time during a large-scale missile attack, Iranian state media reported on Monday.
The missile, described as a multi-role, high-precision weapon, was launched in retaliation to what the IRGC referred to as Israel’s “continued madness” and its aggressive drone operations targeting Iranian interests.
According to IRNA, quoting the IRGC’s public relations division, the missile strikes were conducted as part of a broader military response involving advanced combat drones and smart munitions.
“The Kheibar missile was used for the first time in this operation,” the IRGC stated, “employing newly developed, highly destructive tactics that enable more accurate and powerful strikes.”
Strategic Targets Across Israel
Iranian media reports say that the missile barrage targeted strategic installations across Israeli-occupied territories, from the north to the deep south, including key infrastructure in central Israel—described as the regime’s “military and political core.”
One of the most dramatic visuals of the attacks came from Ashdod, a southern Israeli city, where surveillance footage captured a massive explosion on a roadside, believed to be the impact of one of Iran’s missiles. The video, recorded by a car-mounted camera, circulated rapidly on social media platforms.
A New Chapter in Iranian Missile Warfare
The Kheibar (Qadr-H) missile is reportedly one of Iran’s newest ballistic weapons, featuring enhanced range, accuracy, and warhead capabilities. The IRGC claims it has adopted a new set of operational tactics aimed at overwhelming Israeli defense systems with simultaneous, multi-directional strikes.
This move marks a significant shift in Iran’s military doctrine, showcasing not only its advanced missile development but also its intent to leverage psychological and strategic surprise in its engagements.
Rising Regional Tensions
The latest strike comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory campaign against Israeli positions.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier vowed continued retaliation, stating that Israel has made a grave mistake and “must now face the consequences of its aggression.”
Military analysts say the introduction of the Kheibar missile in combat sends a powerful message to Israel and raises the stakes of regional confrontation, especially as fears grow over a broader war involving multiple state and non-state actors.