Latest news with #Nasirzadeh
France 24
09-05-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Propaganda slip-up: Iran accidentally exposes sensitive missile data
The new ballistic missile, named "Qasem Basir", is the latest addition to Tehran's extensive family of ballistic missiles. It has a range of 1,300km, a lightweight carbon fibre body along with a 500kg warhead, and a camera to ensure precise targeting. Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran's defence minister, who appeared prominently in the propaganda footage, claimed that the new missile system was developed based on experiences gained during two recent Iranian missile attacks against Israel in April and October 2024. "No defence system, neither THAAD nor Patriot, is capable of intercepting Qasem Basir missiles," Nasirzadeh asserted. In the version aired on television by state broadcasters, the image from the missile's camera was obscured with a black band covering a number at the bottom left corner. However, in an online version of the report posted by state media on social networks the black bar did not appear, revealing a "D" symbol alongside a decreasing number sequence from 3 to 1.2. The D figure refers to the missile's drag coefficient, indicating air resistance on the missile in the final moments before the impact. The inclusion of the sensitive data inadvertently provided Iran's adversaries with insights into the missile's behaviour during its final moments, enabling a clearer estimation of its potential speed. via GIPHY It's not a catastrophe, but it can help to 'fine tune' the defensive systems Farzin Nadimi is a military expert from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He explains the significance of the numbers: The 'D' refers to 'drag,' or 'fluid resistance', a physics term describing the force opposite to an object's motion within a surrounding fluid – in this case, air. When the number decreases from 3 to 1.4, it doesn't indicate the missile is accelerating; rather, it means the rate at which the missile's speed decreases is slowing down. Simply put, [the sudden decline in drag] suggests the missile is doing something to evade defence systems: either adjusting its warhead adjusts to an optimal angle to reduce air resistance, or engaging its final-stage engines. In either scenario, the missile's manoeuvrability is enhanced, reducing the available reaction time for defence systems. Now that adversaries have access to this data, it's not disastrous, but it does provide them with valuable insights into the missile's aerodynamic characteristics, helping them better calibrate their defence measures. Overall, Nadimi described the missile as an important advancement for Iran's missile programme. They implied lessons learned from previous attacks on Israel. Those attacks revealed that Iranian missiles lacked accuracy at ranges exceeding 2,000 km. To address this issue, Iran incorporated a camera system to adjust missile trajectories for increased accuracy, alongside employing a carbon fibre body, another significant enhancement.
India.com
05-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Iran unveils latest ballistic missile with features like Thermal Guidance System, Maneuverability, Accuracy, Precision, Israel and US...
New Delhi: Iran's defense ministry unveiled the country's newest ballistic missile ' Qassem Basir' to the world on Sunday, May 4. The missile was displayed during an interview with Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh on Iranian state television. The Iranian ballistic missile came to light just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned teaching Tehran a lesson in response to Houthi missile attacks on Sunday, May 4. Iran had recently tested the missile on April 17. While providing information about the Iranian missile on state television, its range was stated to be at least 1200 kilometers. The Iranian defense minister said it has the ability to penetrate defensive layers and easily bypass anti-ballistic systems. State television reported that the missile can identify and strike one of several targets with precision without GPS guidance. The Qassem Basir is a solid-fueled missile with a range of at least 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) and is designed to evade missile defense systems. The missile is equipped with a thermal imaging guidance system and can strike targets with precision, even under electronic interference. New Development: The Qassem Basir is an upgraded version of the Martyr Haj Qassem missile. Advanced Guidance: It features an advanced thermal guidance system, making it resistant to electronic warfare. Range: The missile has a range of at least 1,200 kilometers. Maneuverability: It can maneuver and evade missile defense systems. Accuracy: The missile can strike targets with precision, even under electronic interference. Testing: It was test-fired successfully from a distance of over 1,200 kilometers, hitting its intended target. Context: The unveiling of the Qassem Basir comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and signals Iran's focus on military self-reliance. Strategic Significance: Defense Minister Nasirzadeh described it as a key addition to Iran's strategic arsenal. The important thing is that Houthi rebels fired a ballistic missile from Yemen on Sunday, May 4, which landed near the terminal of Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Israel had tried to intercept the Houthis' missile first with its indigenous Arrow missile defense system and then with the American THAAD, but faced failure. In response to America's threat, Nasirzadeh said, 'If we are attacked and a war is waged against us, we will respond forcefully and target their interests and installations.' He further stated that there is no enmity towards Iran's neighbouring countries, but American bases are in their sights.
NDTV
05-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile With 1,200 Km Range Amid Houthi Attacks
Tehran: Iran on Sunday unveiled a new solid-fuel ballistic missile with a range of 1,200 kilometres (745 miles), state television reported, at a time of rising tensions with the West. "The solid propellant Ghassem Basir ballistic missile has a range of at least 1,200 kilometres and is Iran's latest defence achievement," the broadcaster said. Western nations have raised concerns about Tehran's missile capabilities, accusing it of destabilising the Middle East. Iran supports the "axis of resistance" network of groups opposed to Israel, including Yemen's Huthi rebels, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Shiite armed groups in Iraq. In October last year, Iran and its sworn enemy Israel attacked each other directly for the first time. Israel struck military sites in Iran in response to an Iranian missile attack on October 1, itself launched in retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander. On Sunday, Iranian state television broadcast footage of the new missile during an interview with Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. "If we are attacked and war is waged against us, we will respond with force and will target their interests and their bases," Nasirzadeh said. "We hold no animosity towards neighbouring states, but American bases are our targets," he said. The new missile was shown after Tehran and Washington held Oman-mediated talks on Iran's nuclear programme on three consecutive Saturdays from April 12. They were the highest level contacts since the United States withdrew in 2018 from a landmark agreement with world powers on Iran's nuclear programme. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an interview with Fox News called on Iran to "walk away" from uranium enrichment, saying "the only countries in the world that enrich uranium are the ones that have nuclear weapons". On April 27, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a credible deal must "remove Iran's capacity to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons" and prevent the development of ballistic missiles. Tehran denies seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, insisting that its nuclear ambitions are entirely peaceful and for civilian purposes. It has ruled out discussions with Washington on its military and defence capabilities, including its ballistic missile programme. US President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran if diplomacy fails and has imposed additional sanctions targeting the country's oil sector.
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Unveils New Missile Capable of Striking US Targets
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Video from Iranian state TV on Sunday showed Iran unveiling a new ballistic missile as tensions with the United States intensify over Tehran's nuclear program and regional military activities. The footage was aired during an interview with Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who warned: "If war is initiated by the U.S. or Israel, Iran will strike their interests, bases and forces wherever they are and whenever necessary." The announcement followed a recent missile strike by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Israeli territory, prompting Israel to vow retaliation against Iranian-backed groups. It also coincided with the suspension of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel for comment. A banner depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran, on September 26, 2024. A banner depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran, on September 26, It Matters The timing of Iran's missile reveal highlights Tehran's strategy of military signaling in response to growing international pressure. As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten strikes unless a new nuclear deal is reached, Iran is reinforcing its regional posture through advanced missile development. With diplomatic channels faltering, these actions raise the specter of broader conflict. What to Know The missile, called "Qassem Basir," is solid-fueled and was most recently tested on April 17, according to state media. Nasirzadeh said it includes enhancements in maneuverability and guidance systems, allowing it to evade defenses. Iranian outlets claimed it has a range of 1,200 kilometers and can strike targets with pinpoint accuracy without using GPS. Tehran developed its ballistic program in response to Iraqi Scud attacks during the Iran-Iraq War and as a result of long-standing arms embargoes that have limited access to modern defense technology. 🔴 Iran's latest solid fuel ballistic missile "Qassem Basir" enjoys higher maneuverability, can evade interception. Follow : — Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) May 5, 2025 Houthi Strike on Israel The missile announcement came shortly after a Houthi-launched strike from Yemen landed near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Although the Houthis claimed responsibility, Israeli officials accused Iran of orchestrating the attack through its regional proxies. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed severe retaliation against both the Houthis and their Iranian backers. Nasirzadeh rejected the accusations, insisting that Tehran does not control Houthi decisions. He warned, however, that any military action against Iran would prompt retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli targets. President Trump is absolutely right! Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran. Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters. — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 4, 2025 Diplomatic Efforts Falter Planned nuclear talks set for May 3 in Rome were abruptly postponed, reportedly at the request of Oman's foreign minister, who is mediating the dialogue. Trump has renewed warnings of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure if no deal is reached. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for commercial purposes only. What People Are Saying Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said: "If war is initiated by the U.S. or Israel, Iran will strike their interests, bases and forces wherever they are and whenever necessary." Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned: "Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters." What Happens Next With diplomacy stalled and hard-line rhetoric rising on all sides, the risk of direct confrontation has sharply increased. As the U.S. and Israel signal readiness for military action and Iran doubles down on its deterrence posture, the absence of dialogue leaves the potential for a broader, potentially disastrous conflict.
Rudaw Net
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iran says to respond ‘without hesitation' if attacked
Also in Iran Iran arrests two over port blast, including senior government employee Hawraman marks centuries-old Komsay ceremony Nuclear talks must secure Iran's interests or be abandoned, says Khamenei aide Tehran blasts West as nuclear talks with US postponed A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran's defense minister on Sunday criticized recent remarks from his American counterpart and said that while Tehran will not initiate war, it will respond 'without hesitation' if subjected to a military attack. 'Iran has a very large stockpile of missiles in cities, and if war is imposed, it will use them without hesitation and without consideration against targets anywhere,' Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in an interview, as cited by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. He was referring to recent statements from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who on Thursday warned Iran over its support for the Houthis in Yemen. 'You know very well what the U.S. military is capable of – and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at a time and place of our choosing,' Hegseth said on X. 'We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis,' he warned. Nasirzadeh further slammed Washington's remarks, saying they come at a time when American officials express a willingness to negotiate but 'regularly and through various means threaten the Islamic republic with a military attack.' On Friday, Tehran condemned the latest round of sanctions imposed by Washington, with a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks between the US and Iran postponed. Iran said the delay came at the request of the Omani foreign minister, who is serving as mediator, though Washington said the talks had not been confirmed. Nasirzadeh advised Hegseth to study the Islamic republic's history, saying, 'If they study, they will realize that they should not speak to the Islamic Republic of Iran in the language of threats.' He reiterated that Tehran would decisively respond to any military threat. 'If the war is from the US or Zionist regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran will attack their interests, bases, and forces wherever they are and whenever it deems necessary, and the defense ministry is trying to equip the armed forces on land, air, and sea,' Nasirzadeh stressed. Under a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear enrichment program for much-needed relief from crippling sanctions. But the deal began unraveling in 2018 when Trump, during his first term, unilaterally withdrew and imposed biting sanctions on the Islamic republic, which in turn began rolling back on its nuclear commitments. Upon returning to office, Trump in early February restored his 'maximum pressure' policy against Tehran, arguing that it is 'too close' to a nuclear weapon and seeking a new deal with Tehran. In late March, Trump warned that 'there will be bombing' against Iranian interests if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program. 'If they don't make a deal [with the US] there will be bombing, and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,' he told NBC News. In an indirect response to Trump's threats, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of a strong response if Iran is attacked. 'They threaten to commit evil,' but 'if evil is committed, the counterattack will definitely be mutually strong,' Khamenei said. Tehran has always asserted that its nuclear program is peaceful and that nuclear weapons go against the Islamic republic's doctrine.
