Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel, including hypersonic weapons for the first time, according to a report by state TV on Wednesday. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the missiles targeted “three military bases” near Tel Aviv and other locations, claiming that “90 percent” of the missiles struck their intended targets late Tuesday.
Israeli military officials reported a slightly lower number of around 180 missiles, the majority of which were intercepted by defense systems. This escalation marks the first time Iran has deployed hypersonic missiles, a technology it unveiled in June 2023. These missiles can travel at speeds up to 15 times the speed of sound and are designed to evade modern air defenses by flying lower and faster than conventional ballistic missiles.
Iranian officials, including then-President Ebrahim Raisi, have promoted the development of these weapons as a way to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and contribute to regional “peace and stability.”
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the missile attack, calling it a “big mistake,” particularly following Israel’s recent assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The United States has expressed support for Israel and is reportedly discussing a coordinated response. Iran, in turn, warned that any retaliatory attack on its territory would lead to strikes on Israeli infrastructure.
