As Iranian missiles rain down in retaliation for Israel’s widening offensive, Tehran has remained tight-lipped about its weaponry—marking a shift from earlier attacks, which were accompanied by official footage and specs. Still, analysts have pieced together what Iran has used so far—and what it might be holding back.
What Iran has launched
Iran is deploying tried-and-tested ballistic missiles:
- Qadr & Emad: Liquid-fueled, up to 1,800 km range, 750 kg warheads. Emad is reportedly more accurate.
- Kheibar Shekan: A newer solid-fuel missile (1,400–1,500 km), smaller warhead (500–600 kg), but faster and more precise.
These weapons have featured in previous strikes and appear to be the backbone of the current campaign.
Still in the arsenal
Tehran has not yet deployed some of its most advanced systems:
- Shahid-Haj Qassem: A solid-fuel, allegedly “hypersonic” missile named after Qassem Soleimani. It may have been used once on June 15, though confirmation is lacking.
- Khorramshahr: Iran’s most powerful missile, capable of carrying a 1,800 kg warhead. Despite being unveiled in 2017, it has never been used in combat. Analysts warn it could cause massive urban destruction if deployed.
How many missiles does Iran have?
Before the war, Israeli estimates placed Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile at around 3,000. After multiple launches and Israeli strikes on storage sites, the number is believed to be closer to 2,000. Iran reportedly fired 100 missiles in a single day recently—suggesting it could maintain that pace for weeks.
Cost and origin
Each missile costs an estimated $1 million or more. Iran’s missile program is run by the IRGC, which keeps costs low via domestic production. Many designs were initially adapted from North Korean systems, themselves based on Soviet Scud missiles.
Israel’s countermeasures
Israel has hit missile factories, depots, and launch sites in places like Shiraz and Kermanshah. Mossad-linked operatives have also reportedly launched attacks inside Iran. Despite this, experts say dismantling Iran’s missile program would require full-scale regime change—something no airstrike can achieve.
Bottom line:
Iran has used its standard arsenal but still holds deadlier weapons in reserve. Whether it unleashes them may depend on how far Israel pushes.