ISLAMABAD: Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force, has declared a major shift in Iran’s missile strategy following recent successes in penetrating and degrading advanced US-Israeli air defence systems in the region.
The senior IRGC official announced that Iran will no longer deploy missiles with warheads weighing less than one ton, opting instead for heavier payloads ranging from one to two tons. This change aims to deliver greater destructive impact on targets in the United States and Israel.
Mousavi emphasised that the destruction of key air defence radars and bases has simplified the path for Iranian missiles to reach their intended destinations. With layered defences compromised, precision-guided heavier warheads can now achieve higher penetration rates against fortified sites.
This doctrinal adjustment comes amid escalating hostilities that began with joint US-Israeli operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure earlier in 2026. Reports indicate significant damage to US-operated THAAD and other radar systems in Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain, which has strained regional missile interception capabilities.
Analysts note that the loss of these high-value assets, including multi-million-dollar early-warning radars, has created gaps in the integrated air defence network protecting US bases and allies across the Gulf. Iranian strikes have reportedly hit systems like the AN/TPY-2 and AN/FPS-132, critical for tracking and directing interceptors against incoming ballistic threats.
The IRGC commander highlighted that the “wavelength” and intensity of missile launches will increase, broadening the scope of operations. This suggests a move towards more sustained and widespread barrages rather than limited salvos seen in earlier phases of recent conflicts.
Iran’s missile arsenal, rebuilt after previous setbacks including the June 2025 war with Israel, now incorporates upgraded ballistic systems with enhanced range, accuracy, and payload capacity. Domestic production has accelerated, allowing Tehran to replenish stockpiles despite ongoing strikes on launchers and facilities.
The shift to heavier warheads aligns with a broader offensive posture adopted since mid-2025, transitioning from primarily defensive containment to asymmetric escalation. This includes greater reliance on solid-fuel missiles for quicker launches, complicating interception efforts by adversaries.
Beyond military targets, Iranian strategy now encompasses US economic and strategic interests in the Gulf region. Officials have indicated an expanded target list to include American capital and assets, aiming to impose broader costs on Washington’s regional presence.
Strikes have extended to energy infrastructure, ports, and civilian sites in Gulf Cooperation Council states, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global oil flows and trade routes. Such actions seek to pressure coalition partners and erode support for continued operations against Iran.
Defence experts observe that Iran’s calibrated approach aims to exhaust interceptor stockpiles held by the US, Israel, and Gulf allies. Finite numbers of Patriot, THAAD, and other missiles face mounting strain from repeated Iranian barrages, even as launch rates have declined due to degraded capabilities on the Iranian side.
The IRGC Aerospace Force maintains peak readiness, with production output surpassing pre-conflict levels in key areas. Repairs to damaged facilities and accelerated manufacturing have bolstered deterrence, according to state-affiliated reports.
This evolution in tactics reflects Tehran’s response to sustained aerial campaigns that have targeted its command structures, missile production sites, and air defence networks. Despite losses, including senior leadership figures, Iran continues to project resolve through demonstrative strikes.
Regional observers warn that widening the conflict to economic targets risks drawing in additional actors, potentially altering the strategic calculus across the Persian Gulf. Former intelligence officials have described Iran’s expansion beyond purely military sites as a possible miscalculation.
The declaration by General Mousavi underscores Tehran’s intent to adapt amid adversity, prioritising overwhelming force in future engagements to restore deterrence eroded by recent setbacks.
As hostilities persist, the emphasis on heavier, more powerful missiles signals a phase of intensified confrontation, with implications for stability in the Middle East and beyond.