Watch the Video: Iran Strikes Israel With Advanced Khorramshahr-4 (Kheibar) Missile; Signaling Escalation
June 22: Iran has reportedly utilized its advanced liquid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile, the Khorramshahr-4, also known as Kheibar, for the first time in recent military operations, according to Mehr News Agency citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the IRGC claims the missile was launched today, unverified reports suggest it may have been used as early as June 20, 2025, marking a significant escalation in Iran’s missile activities.
The Khorramshahr-4, unveiled in 2023, is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with an operational range of 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers, enabling launches from southern and central Iran to reach targets across the Middle East and potentially beyond. Powered by hypergolic liquid fuel, the missile can be prepared for launch in under 12 minutes, reducing detection windows for adversaries. It features maneuverable re-entry vehicles (MaRVs) with control fins and satellite navigation, enhancing its accuracy and ability to evade missile defenses.
With a payload capacity of up to 1,800 kilograms, the Khorramshahr-4 can carry conventional high-explosive warheads, submunitions, or potentially cluster munitions, as suggested by recent reports of Iran’s use of such warheads. Some sources speculate it could be nuclear-capable, though no evidence confirms this. The missile’s design, believed to be derived from North Korea’s Hwasong-10, includes upgraded propulsion and guidance systems, making it one of Iran’s most formidable weapons.
Recent reports indicate Iran fired the Khorramshahr-4 toward Israel, with unconfirmed claims of strikes on Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israeli media has dubbed it a “Doomsday weapon,” reflecting concerns over its potential to overwhelm defenses like the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling systems. However, some experts argue Iran may be reserving its most advanced missiles, including the Khorramshahr-4, for strategic moments, possibly in response to direct U.S. involvement.
The deployment comes amid heightened tensions following Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Iran has launched over 400 missiles at Israel since the conflict intensified, though Israel claims to have destroyed a significant portion of Iran’s missile launchers. The use of the Khorramshahr-4 highlights Iran’s intent to showcase its advancing missile capabilities, raising concerns among regional and global powers.
While Iranian media and IRGC-linked outlets have shared footage of the missile’s launch, some circulating videos are from a 2023 test, and explicit confirmation of its combat use remains limited. As the situation develops, analysts are closely monitoring Iran’s missile strategy and its implications for regional stability.
