Iran Unveils Qassem Basir Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Iran has unveiled its new solid-fueled ballistic missile, the Qassem Basir, featuring a 1,200-kilometer range and advanced maneuverability to evade U.S. and Israeli missile defenses. Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Iran would retaliate against U.S. or Israeli regional interests and bases if attacked. The missile's debut follows a Houthi-launched missile from Yemen that struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, escalating tensions and prompting Israeli threats of retaliation not only against Iran but also its regional allies. Iranian officials assert that the Qassem Basir is resistant to electronic warfare and offers high precision without GPS reliance. The unveiling occurs amid stalled U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations and heightened Western concerns about Iran’s support for militant groups in the Middle East. These developments highlight the increasing risk of a broader conflict as diplomatic solutions wane and military tensions rise.