TEHRAN – Iran on Sunday unveiled the Qasem Basir, a ballistic missile developed in the country. This is because Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a harsh warning to the US and the Israeli regime, saying, “We do not maintain hostility towards neighboring states, but if we are US targets, our base is our target.”
The Qasem Basir, an upgraded solid fuel missile derived from Iran’s Shahid Haj Qasem platform, boasts a range of at least 1,200 km (745 miles) and is designed to avoid advanced missile defense systems such as the US-made Thaad and Patriot. Named in honor of Iran’s respected martyr general Qasem Soleimani, both missile systems have his name.
Nasirzadeh emphasized its accuracy and resilience during a televised interview, saying, “This missile is electronic warfare immunity, GPS-independent, capable of identifying specific targets between decoys with pinpoint accuracy, deviating in less than a meter in the final test.”
The unveiling ceremony follows weeks of intensified rhetoric from Washington and Tel Aviv. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses recently recklessly threatened Iran on social media. “We see your deadly support to Houthis. You will pay the outcome to the time and place we choose.”
Nasirzadeh condemned Washington’s “hypocritical” stance. In particular, even as nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States are underway through Oman, US authorities continue to increase rhetoric, saying “U.S. authorities simultaneously claim they are seeking dialogue while threatening military action.”
“It’s no use to speak to Iran in threatening language,” the defense minister argued.
President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to “bomb Iran” unless the nation accepts a nuclear deal that matches his preferences. Meanwhile, Israeli regime Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted retaliation with Iran for an Ansallala missile strike near Ben Galion Airport in Tel Aviv, calling it “the ultimate attack from Iran from Emmanate.”
Nasirzadeh dismissed these accusations and argued that Yemen’s Ansalala movement would act independently.
“The US and Israeli regimes speak language of threat, but they must learn that Iran has not succumbed to threats,” the Defense Minister said. “Aggression fulfills critical retaliation.”
Iran’s proven ability to retaliate
In his interview, the Iranian public referenced Iran’s true promise I and true promise II tactics. Large missiles and drones attacked Israeli military facilities in April and October 2024.
These operations, targeting Israel’s critical military infrastructure, such as Nevatim and Tel Nof airspace, demonstrated Iran’s ability to permeate the regime’s proud iron dome and arrow defenses.
Analysts note that these strikes exposed vulnerabilities in the depleted Israeli missile interceptors and the US support system.
“The lessons learned from True Promise Operations led the development of Qasem Basir,” says Nasirzadeh. “We strengthened our weaknesses and expanded our underground missile cities to ensure preparations.”
Stealth, speed, and agility development
The QASEM BASIR missile system integrates advanced technology to counter modern defenses, prioritizing evasion and rapid strikes.
Its infrared and optical guidance system allows for accurate targeting without relying on GPS, avoiding the electronic tactics used to disrupt navigation. This ensures functionality even in high jamming environments, analysts say.
The lightweight carbon fiber body reduces radar vision and complicates intercept operations while maintaining stability at the extreme speeds of the Mach 12. Coupled with solid fuel propulsion, the system delivers boot preparations in minutes, much faster than liquid fuel alternatives, allowing for quick, unpredictable deployments from mobile units.
Together, these features emphasize survivability and tactical flexibility, destabilizing the reliability of traditional missile defense measures.
Qasem Basir strengthens Iran’s asymmetric war strategy. This prioritizes the enemy who overwhelms cost-effective, highly accurate weapons.
Its deployment coincides with Iran’s broader military modernization, including underground naval bases, ultrasonic ship missiles and recent swarms of drones exhibited in drills.