As the conflict between Iran and Israel enters a new phase, Iranian officials have announced the launch of the Khaibar ballistic missile with a dramatic message:
“The world will be shocked by what it sees.”
This threat comes on the heels of the most severe direct attacks between the two countries to date, during which Iranian military infrastructure was hit and several high-ranking members of the Revolutionary Guard lost their lives. Both Iran and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are announcing further escalation, reports Index.
What is the Khaibar missile?
Named after the famous 7th-century Battle of Khaibar, the Khaibar is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) that Iran presents as a new generation of its missile arsenal. According to available information:
The missile’s range is about 2,000 kilometers, which allows it to directly target Israeli territory, as well as American military bases in the region.
It carries a conventional warhead, with increased explosive effect compared to older models.
It has improved guidance systems, including inertial navigation with GPS support, which significantly increases accuracy.
It reaches hypersonic speeds upon re-entry into the atmosphere – between Mach 12 and 15 (about 4 to 5 km/s), making it difficult to intercept with modern anti-missile systems.
Tehran says that the Khaibar is a symbol of military superiority and a response to “aggression”. Although it is not known when the missile could be launched, the message is clear: Iran will not remain silent in the face of Israeli attacks.
Risk of a wider conflict
Although Israeli authorities have not yet commented on the statements from Iran, security forces and the intelligence sector are on high alert. Experts warn that a possible launch of Khaibar could further destabilize the region and have wider consequences.
Given the missile’s range, it could target not only Israeli targets, but also American military installations in the region. Of particular concern is the fact that it is a missile that is extremely difficult to intercept.
More than a threat
Although it is not known whether Iran will actually launch Khaibar – the announcement itself already has a great psychological and strategic impact. Combined with previous attacks with drones and missiles, Iran’s message is clear: it will not quietly watch Israeli attacks.
The situation in the Middle East is thus becoming even more tense, and the announcement of a missile that “shocks the world” could be the introduction to a new phase of the conflict.
