What Makes Iran’s ‘Castle Breaker’ Missile a Major Threat?

Iran’s Kheibar Shekan missile, whose name means “Castle Breaker” in Persian, has emerged as one of the country’s key weapons in the renewed conflict with the United States and Israel.

The medium-range ballistic missile was developed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and has reportedly been used in attacks against US military positions and infrastructure across parts of the Middle East.

The Kheibar Shekan has an estimated range of about 1,450 kilometres (901 miles) and can carry a warhead weighing between 449 and 590 kilograms. Iran unveiled the missile in 2022.

One of its main features is its solid-fuel propulsion, which allows it to be prepared and launched relatively quickly. Unlike liquid-fuel missiles, solid-fuel systems do not require lengthy fuelling procedures immediately before launch, making them easier to operate and potentially more difficult to detect.

Iran has said it used Kheibar Shekan missiles in retaliatory attacks against US military assets in Jordan this week. The IRGC has also previously claimed to have used the missile against US-linked targets in the region.

Iran possesses a broad missile arsenal that includes short- and medium-range ballistic missiles such as the Fateh, Zolfaghar, Qiam-1, Shahab-3, Emad, Ghadr-1, Sejjil and Khorramshahr systems. 

It also operates cruise missiles, including the Soumar, Quds, Hoveyzeh and Paveh.

Renewed US-Iran Fighting

The latest escalation followed a period of relative calm. The United States resumed attacks on Iranian targets on August 31, with US Central Command saying it had struck IRGC positions in southern Iran.

Iran subsequently launched missiles and drones at US forces and military assets in several countries across the region, including Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq’s Erbil.

Iran has also accused the United States of striking civilian locations. Iranian authorities said a US attack on a house during a wedding celebration in Kuhestak killed at least five people and injured 68 others, including women and children.

The renewed fighting has also increased tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route. Oil prices have risen sharply amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt oil shipments through the waterway.

The escalation comes as Washington continues to increase economic pressure on Tehran, while Iran has warned that it will continue responding to US attacks.

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