Iran Tests New Qasem Basir Ballistic Missile With 1,200 KM Range Amid Regional Tensions - Bio Points News

Iran Tests New Qasem Basir Ballistic Missile Amid Rising Tensions

Tehran, Iran — May 5, 2025: Iran has successfully tested a new ballistic missile, the Qasem Basir, with an operational range of 1,200 kilometers, according to Iranian state media. The announcement, made by Iranian Defense Minister General Aziz Nasserzadeh during a live interview on national television, marks another significant development in the region’s escalating military tensions.

The missile, reportedly equipped with solid-fuel technology, was tested on April 17, with footage broadcast Sunday evening showing the missile striking its intended target.

Advanced Maneuverability and Defense Evasion

Speaking on a prime-time news program, General Nasserzadeh highlighted that the Qasem Basir missile offers enhanced maneuverability compared to Iran’s earlier ballistic systems. He claimed that the new missile is designed to evade modern air defense systems including the US-made THAAD, the Patriot system, and Israeli defense shields.

"The Qasem Basir is a response to the growing threats around us. It is agile, reliable, and capable of bypassing the most advanced missile defense systems deployed in the region," the Defense Minister said.

Message to the United States and Regional Bases

During the interview, General Nasserzadeh issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that any attack on Iranian soil would be met with immediate and decisive retaliation.

"If war is imposed upon us, we will strike their interests and military bases wherever they are. There will be no hesitation and no limits to our response," Nasserzadeh emphasized.

He clarified, however, that Iran does not view its neighboring countries as enemies, but American military bases located in those countries would become legitimate targets if hostilities were to break out.

Reprisal Operations and Missile Program Advancements

The Iranian defense chief also referenced the country’s military actions from the previous year, known as True Promise One and Two, retaliatory operations carried out against Israeli interests. He stated that experience gained from these missions played a role in the development of the Qasem Basir missile.

"Our armed forces are now better equipped and more prepared, thanks to the insights and operational experience from those reprisal operations," he added.

The Mehr News Agency reported that the missile’s design includes improved range accuracy, operational speed, and defense countermeasures, making it one of the most advanced weapons in Iran’s ballistic arsenal.

Regional and Global Concerns

The test comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Iran’s support for proxy groups in the region, including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Military analysts warn that the unveiling of this new missile could further destabilize the Middle East and trigger fresh security concerns for Israel, Gulf states, and US forces stationed in the region.

So far, no official response has been issued by Washington or Tel Aviv regarding the missile test.

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