Iran's deployment of advanced Kheibar Shekan missiles in recent strikes against US assets across the Middle East highlights a critical vulnerability for Western defenses. US officials, cited by The Wall Street Journal, confirm these cheap, mobile, and accurate missiles have penetrated American air defenses, even as most were intercepted. The revelation comes as US President Donald Trump opted against escalating the conflict with Iran, citing fears that an extended war could deplete interceptor stockpiles. This concern amplified after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan when an Iranian missile bypassed American air defenses.
These Kheibar Shekan missiles boast a range exceeding 1,400 kilometers. They are solid-fuel, medium-range systems, a significant upgrade from older Iranian designs because they don't require prelaunch fueling. This capability allows them to be kept fueled and loaded quickly onto trucks or other vehicles for launching, making them exceptionally difficult for US and Israeli warplanes to target and destroy before launch. Iran has been employing varied flight paths, maneuvers, and speeds to confuse US defense systems, according to US officials.
Iran's Evolving Threat
The missiles' advanced design includes higher maneuverability, making them harder to destroy once launched. Some variants feature small engines in the nose section that carry the explosive warhead, allowing the missile to adjust direction during its final flight phase, approaching targets at approximately 10,000 kilometers per hour. Iran is not relying solely on these advanced missiles; it's combining Kheibar Shekan launches with high-speed attack drones and less sophisticated missiles. This integrated approach targets radars supporting air defenses across the region and housing areas for US troops at bases throughout the Middle East, US officials told The Wall Street Journal.
Army Gen. Joseph Votel, former head of US Central Command, observed that Iran is "paying attention, and they’re learning," noting their "well-developed drone capability" and a "missile program, a rocket program for a long period of time." Independent missile expert Fabian Hinz suggested Iran might be assembling more missiles from components in underground bases, despite the destruction of production facilities for missile engines. Hinz emphasized that Iran likely studied previous launches to maximize their chances of success, stating, “Every single combat use gives you some sort of data, so that’s very useful for the Iranians.” Analysts highlight the stark cost imbalance: Kheibar Shekans are far cheaper, costing between $2 million and $15 million, compared to the US and Israeli interceptors used to stop them.
Israel reported shooting down most Kheibar Shekans fired at it by Iran. Iran brazenly claimed to have targeted the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside another attack last month.
Western Restraint and Regional Instability
President Trump's decision not to escalate the conflict, as reported by US officials to The New York Times, was driven by concerns over the depletion of US interceptor missiles. White House discussions have focused on this critical issue, particularly following the deaths of three US soldiers. US General Dan Caine indicated that a full-fledged war with Iran was "doable" but would significantly reduce the missiles available to US Central Command. White House communications director Steven Cheung affirmed Trump's preference for a diplomatic solution but stressed that he "continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Straight of Hormuz or against allies." Cheung warned that “it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal; otherwise, they know what will happen.” Despite Trump's Friday statement that the US is "locked and loaded" and could escalate its military campaign "to a much higher level," his preferred option remains a negotiated agreement. Some anonymous senior US officials believe this stance would not drive Iran back to negotiations, but rather give its leadership an external threat to rally against.
Simultaneously, Iran and mediator Oman have reported "some progress" in talks concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Oman proposed a regional consortium for maritime security and search-and-rescue, with voluntary participation and payments. However, Iran has opposed this, insisting on mandatory payments, arguing that vessels would otherwise be barred from transiting the strait. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed these discussions, stating they focused on "common principles and operational mechanisms for managing safe shipping traffic" while respecting sovereign rights, calling the talks productive.