Iran Fires Hypersonic Fattah‑1 Missiles as Israel Repeats Airstrikes

Photo: AP

The conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a significant turn as Iran’s IRGC confirmed the deployment of hypersonic Fattah‑1 missiles against Israel. In an official announcement carried on state media, the IRGC declared this a “turning point” in the unfolding Operation True Promise III, asserting that the missiles were capable of bypassing even advanced defense systems like Israel’s Iron Dome .

First unveiled in June 2023, the Fattah‑1 is described as a solid‑fuel, medium‑range hypersonic ballistic missile with an operational range of up to 1,400 km and the ability to carry 350–450 kg warheads. Iran claims these missiles can maneuver mid‑flight, granting them the speed and agility to evade interception.

According to Tehran, this missile strike marks the 11th wave of retaliation targeting Israeli infrastructure. Although no immediate casualties were reported, there were reports of fires and structural damage in Tel Aviv, raising alarms across the city.

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Israel responded swiftly, launching fresh airstrikes on Iranian strategic sites across Tehran, including nuclear research facilities, missile manufacturing sites, and the Imam Hussein University—linked to Iran’s military apparatus. Authorities have reported civilian evacuations in affected neighborhoods, and American embassies in Jerusalem remain closed, reflecting rising regional anxiety .

Medical sources in Iran report over 500 fatalities and upwards of 1,300 injuries due to recent Israeli raids. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed his administration’s determination, declaring “no mercy” for Israel if aggressions persist thetimes.co.uk+1theguardian.com+1.

The U.S. maintains a cautious position. While official statements distance Washington from direct involvement, former President Trump has backed Israel and called for Iran's “unconditional surrender,” further inflaming the rhetoric. U.S. defense assets have been moved closer to bolster Israel’s missile defense amid concerns over diminished interceptor stockpiles such as Arrow and THAAD.

The introduction of hypersonic weaponry into this confrontation marks a dangerous escalation. Unlike ballistic rockets, hypersonic missiles can travel at speeds above Mach 5 and execute mid-course maneuvering, complicating tracking and interception. Military strategists warn such a capability could dramatically destabilize the strategic landscape.

Regional implications are profound. Several governments—including the U.K. and EU members—are evacuating diplomatic families and foreign nationals while calling for an immediate ceasefire. Aviation authorities have closed nearby airspace due to missile debris risk. Oil markets and global stock indices reacted nervously, reflecting investor fears of a wider Middle Eastern conflagration .

Analysts suggest the hypersonic strikes signal a strategic shift towards rapid-response deterrence and escalation by Tehran, while Israel’s counter‑air campaign seeks to degrade Iran's missile and nuclear infrastructure before the next wave of launches.

As the skies remain aflame and tensions rise, global observers now watch closely, concerned that the deployment of such advanced technology—if not capped—may tip this crisis from a proxy conflict into a full‑scale regional war.