Iran fires its Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile at Israel for the first time, challenging U.S. claims of crippling its nuclear program
Kheibar Shekan – A Missile That Changed the Equation
On June 22, 2025, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the first-ever operational use of its third-generation Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile in a direct strike on Israeli territory. The missile, whose name translates to “Fortress Breaker,” was launched as part of the 20th wave of Operation True Promise-III, a retaliatory campaign against U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
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The Kheibar Shekan, introduced in 2022, had never been used in live combat until now. With a range of 1,450 kilometers, it is capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory. The missile’s solid-fuel propulsion, maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV), and stealthy exhaust signature make it particularly difficult to intercept. According to Iranian military sources, the missile was designed to bypass advanced air defense systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling.
The IRGC reported that 40 ballistic missiles were launched in total, targeting high-value Israeli assets including Ben Gurion Airport, a biological research facility, and command-and-control centers. The attack was described as “highly accurate,” with sirens in Israel reportedly activated only after impact, a tactic Tehran called a “disorientation strategy.”
Tehran’s Message: U.S. Airstrikes Didn’t Work
The missile strike comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American B-2 bombers had “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. However, Iran’s swift and technologically advanced retaliation appears to contradict that claim.
Iranian officials assert that key nuclear assets had been relocated in anticipation of the strikes and that the facilities remain operational. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. action as a “flagrant violation of international law,” while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed that “the real response is yet to come.”
By deploying the Kheibar Shekan, Iran is not only showcasing its resilience but also sending a clear message: its deterrence capabilities remain intact, and it is prepared to escalate if provoked. The missile’s successful penetration of Israeli defenses has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of U.S. and Israeli military strategies.
Regional Shockwaves and Global Alarm
The fallout from the missile strike has been immediate and far-reaching. In Israel, emergency services confirmed multiple impact sites across central and northern regions, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Ramat Gan. At least 16 people were injured, and several buildings were destroyed. Ben Gurion Airport was temporarily shut down, and public life was severely disrupted.
The international community has responded with alarm. The United Nations and European Union have called for urgent de-escalation, while Russia and China condemned the U.S. airstrikes and urged restraint. Oil prices surged by over 6%, and global markets showed signs of volatility amid fears of a broader Middle East war.
Meanwhile, Iran’s IRGC warned that the Kheibar Shekan strike was “only a fraction” of its missile arsenal and that “major segments remain unactivated.” The missile’s road-mobile launcher, which can be disguised as a civilian vehicle, adds another layer of unpredictability to Iran’s military posture.
Conclusion
The launch of the Kheibar Shekan missile marks a turning point in the Iran-Israel-U.S. triangle. It challenges the narrative of American military dominance, exposes vulnerabilities in Israeli defense systems, and signals a new era of asymmetric deterrence. As the world watches with bated breath, one thing is clear: the fortress has been broken, and the rules of engagement are being rewritten.
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