Iran has been deploying Kheibar Shekan missiles in recent strikes targeting US assets across the Middle East, challenging the extensive American military presence in the region. These solid-fuel, medium-range missiles boast a range of at least 1,400 kilometers. Unlike older Iranian missiles, they don't require prelaunch fueling, allowing them to be kept fueled and quickly loaded onto trucks or other vehicles for rapid launching. This mobility makes them harder for US and Israeli warplanes to target and destroy before launch.
US officials, cited by The Wall Street Journal, confirmed Iran's use of these missiles in recent strikes. Some have successfully penetrated US and allied air defenses, despite most being intercepted. Iran employs varied flight paths, maneuvers, and speeds to confuse these defense systems. Their higher maneuverability also makes them difficult to destroy. Certain variants feature small engines in the nose section, allowing the explosive warhead to detach and adjust direction during the final phase of flight, approaching targets at approximately 10,000 kilometers per hour.
Challenging US Hegemony
Iran isn't relying solely on Kheibar Shekans; it's combining these launches with high-speed attack drones and less sophisticated missiles. US officials told The Wall Street Journal that these tactics target radars supporting air defenses across the region and housing areas for US troops at bases throughout the Middle East. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, former head of US Central Command, acknowledged Iran's learning curve and its efforts to 'get at us.' He noted Iran's well-developed drone capability and a long-standing missile and rocket program, indicating significant expertise in this area.
Independent missile expert Fabian Hinz suggested Iran might be assembling more missiles from components in underground bases, even after the destruction of production facilities for missile engines. Hinz also stated that Iran likely studies previous launches to maximize their effectiveness, gaining valuable data on maneuvers most effective for overcoming missile defense. Analysts informed The Wall Street Journal that Kheibar Shekans are considerably cheaper than the US and Israeli interceptors used to stop them. These interceptors cost between $2 million and $15 million per system, highlighting a significant economic imbalance in the ongoing confrontation. Israel claimed it intercepted most Kheibar Shekans fired at it by Iran. Iran, however, asserted that it targeted the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and conducted another missile attack last month.
Strait of Hormuz and US Diplomatic Cover
Amidst these developments, Iran and mediator Oman have reported "some progress" in discussions concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Two sources familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that it remains unclear if Iran will accept the current proposal. One source detailed Oman's proposal for a regional consortium to oversee maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and other forms of regional cooperation, with participation and payments being voluntary. Iran has reportedly opposed this, insisting on mandatory payments to prevent vessels from being barred from transiting the strait, asserting its sovereign rights.
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed multiple rounds of talks between deputy foreign ministers in Tehran. He stated discussions focused on common principles and operational mechanisms for managing safe shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, while respecting the sovereign rights of both coastal states. Baghaei described the talks as productive, noting progress, and confirmed ongoing technical and political consultations. US President Donald Trump has opted against escalating the conflict with Iran, fearing an extended war could deplete interceptor stockpiles, US officials told The New York Times on Saturday. Recent White House discussions have focused on the dwindling supply of US interceptor missiles, particularly after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan when an Iranian missile bypassed American air defenses.
US General Dan Caine, according to New York Times sources, assessed that a full-fledged war with Iran was 'doable' but would severely reduce the number of missiles available to US Central Command in the Middle East. White House communications director Steven Cheung stated that Trump 'has been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution,' but 'continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Straight of Hormuz or against allies.' Cheung added that 'it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal; otherwise, they know what will happen.' An anonymous senior US official suggested that major operations against Iran wouldn't drive them back to negotiations. Other sources indicated such strikes would have the opposite effect, providing Iranian leadership with an external threat to rally against. Sources familiar with the administration’s decision-making process told The Jerusalem Post earlier on Saturday that Trump had not yet made a final decision on a major strike. Trump himself stated on Friday that the United States is continuing diplomatic talks with Tehran while keeping the military option 'fully prepared.' He added, 'We’re locked and loaded,' and Washington could escalate its military campaign 'to a much higher level' if necessary, despite preferring a negotiated agreement.