Fear of Iran's 'Qasim Basir' missile: 1200 km range, power to penetrate THAAD and Arrow, panic in Israel-America

Tehran: Iran has taken tensions in the Middle East to new heights by unveiling its latest ballistic missile 'Qasim Basir'. The 1,200 km range of this solid-fueled missile and its ability to penetrate America's THAAD and Israel's Arrow defense system has surprised the world. This announcement is considered a warning bell for Israel and America after the recent attack on Ben Gurion Airport by Houthi rebels. Let us analyze this super-destructive weapon based on facts and latest developments.

‘Qasem Basir’: Iran’s new Brahmastra

Iran’s Defense Ministry showcased the ‘Qasem Basir’ missile on state TV on May 4, 2025. Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh claimed that the missile was developed from the experiences of last year’s ‘True Promise’ operation. It was successfully tested on April 17, 2025.

• Range and Strength: With a range of 1,200 kilometers, this missile can target any part of Israel.
• Features: Advanced guidance system, ability to change course, and hypersonic speed make it a challenge for defense systems like THAAD and Arrow. “This missile can penetrate multiple security layers,” Nasirzadeh said.
• Solid Fuel: The use of solid fuel gives it quick launching and short preparation time, making it difficult to detect.

Increased pressure on Israel-US

The announcement comes at a time when the Houthis fired a hypersonic missile near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, which neither Arrow nor THAAD could stop. The attack exposed the vulnerabilities of Israel's air defense. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against the Houthis and their "Iranian supporters."

• Israeli response: Israel attacked Houthi bases in Yemen's Hudaydah port and Sanaa, killing 12 people. Netanyahu said, "We will destroy Iran's proxy network."
• US stance: The US linked Houthi attacks to Iran and intensified drone attacks in Sanaa. President Donald Trump said, "The Houthis and their masters will be taught a lesson."

New round of tension in the Middle East

The unveiling of 'Qasim Basir' is further deepening tensions in the Middle East. Iran introduced this missile at a time when the ceasefire in Gaza has been broken and Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon continue.

• Houthi attacks: The Houthis carried out more than 400 missile and drone attacks on Israel in 2024-25, including missiles like Fatah and Abu Mahdi.
• Iran's strategy: Experts believe that Iran wants to strengthen its position in the region by demonstrating its missile power. Professor Amit Gupta said, "Iran's missiles are now a serious challenge to the defense systems of Israel and America."
• Iran's weapons: Iran already has powerful systems like the Fatah hypersonic missile (1,400 km range) and the Sevom Khordad air defense system, which make it a regional power.

Global reaction

UN: Secretary-General urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that the missile demonstration could lead the region to a “catastrophic war”.

Russia and China: Both countries accused the US and Israel of “aggressive policies” while supporting Iran. Russia has reportedly provided Iran with S-400 systems and technical assistance.

US: White House announced new sanctions on Iran, but a Biden administration official said “attacks on nuclear sites are not supportable”.

Analysis: Threat to Israel

The firepower and penetration power of ‘Qassim Basir’ pose a serious threat to Israel. Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems are effective against short and medium-range missiles, but hypersonic and maneuvering missiles pose a challenge to them. The Houthi attack has already exposed Israel's vulnerabilities, and now 'Qasim Basir' can increase this threat manifold.

Conclusion

Iran's 'Qasim Basir' missile has changed the military equation of the Middle East. Its 1,200 km range, hypersonic speed, and ability to penetrate defense systems have put Israel and the US on the backfoot. Amid the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, this missile is further deepening the fear of a regional war. Will this power of Iran force Israel to change strategy, or will the Middle East move towards a major war? Time and diplomacy will decide this.