ISLAMABAD: Iran has reportedly deployed its advanced Khorramshahr-4ballistic missile in underground bases across the country for the firsttime, according to state-affiliated Fars News Agency. This development,described by Iranian officials as a major enhancement to national defensecapabilities, comes amid stalled nuclear negotiations with the UnitedStates and persistent regional tensions. The missile, also known asKheibar, is positioned as one of Tehran’s most sophisticated systems,featuring extended range and heavy payload capacity designed to countermodern air defenses.
The announcement highlights Iran’s ongoing investment in its ballisticmissile program, which remains the largest in the Middle East.Semi-official sources indicate that the Khorramshahr-4 has been integratedinto the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force inventory,stored in hardened underground facilities to enhance survivability againstpotential strikes. Footage briefly aired by Iranian media showed themissile in such tunnels before being withdrawn citing national security,underscoring the strategic signaling behind the reveal.
Technical specifications of the Khorramshahr-4 position it as amedium-range ballistic missile with a reported range of 2,000 kilometers,sufficient to cover key regional targets including Israel and U.S. militaryinstallations in the Gulf. Iranian claims emphasize its liquid-fueledpropulsion, enabling rapid acceleration, while the system incorporates amaneuverable reentry vehicle for improved terminal guidance and evasion ofinterceptors. Analysts note that this maneuverability represents asignificant upgrade over earlier variants in the Khorramshahr family.
The missile’s payload capacity stands out as particularly formidable, withestimates ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 kilograms, allowing for heavierconventional warheads or potential submunitions delivery. This capabilityexceeds many other Iranian ballistic systems, providing greater destructivepotential in saturation attacks. Official statements describe the warheadas capable of targeting multiple sites upon arrival, enhancing itsstrategic value in deterrence scenarios.
Iranian sources have linked the Khorramshahr-4 to hypersoniccharacteristics, particularly in its terminal phase, with claims of speedsexceeding Mach 8 during reentry and up to Mach 16 in mid-course undercertain conditions. While independent verification remains limited, suchattributes would complicate interception by regional defense networks likeIsrael’s Arrow system or U.S. Patriot batteries. The deployment indispersed underground bases further bolsters second-strike resilience amidheightened alert levels.
This milestone occurs against the backdrop of recent regional conflicts,including the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June 2025, where Tehran expendedsignificant missile stocks in retaliatory barrages. Post-conflictassessments indicate Iran has prioritized reconstitution efforts,rebuilding production facilities and replenishing arsenals despitereinstated U.N. sanctions. The Khorramshahr-4 deployment signals continuedprogress in enhancing long-range precision strike options.
Broader implications extend to ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomacy, with ballisticmissiles forming a core red line for Tehran in any negotiations. Recenttalks in Oman faced hurdles over demands to limit missile programs,reflecting deep divisions. Iranian officials maintain that such systemsconstitute essential defensive tools against perceived threats, refusingconcessions that could undermine deterrence posture.
The underground basing strategy aligns with Iran’s long-standing emphasison asymmetric warfare and survivability. Facilities feature hardenedtunnels and cave complexes, protecting assets from aerial bombardment. Thisapproach, evident in prior revelations of IRGC missile cities, aims toensure operational continuity even under intense pressure, contributing tostrategic stability calculations in the region.
Experts assess that the Khorramshahr-4 strengthens Iran’s ability toproject power across the Middle East, potentially targeting U.S. bases inQatar, Bahrain, and beyond. With a self-imposed range cap of 2,000kilometers observed in public displays, the system still covers criticalareas while allowing flexibility for future modifications if needed. Itsintegration marks another step in Tehran’s indigenous missile evolution.
Regional observers view the deployment as a deterrent message amid U.S.military buildups and warnings of potential escalation. As diplomacyfalters, such advancements underscore the missile program’s role in Iran’ssecurity doctrine, balancing conventional asymmetries with advancedtechnologies to maintain leverage in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.
Source:https://www.albawaba.com/news/iran-deploys-khorramshahr-4-missile-1621602
Missile
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