Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched its 20th missile attack on Israel, deploying the advanced ballistic missile known as Kheibar Shekan. This targeted assault aimed at Ben Gurion Airport and Israeli military bases was in retaliation against U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Let's delve into the attack, the Kheibar Shekan missile, and its implications.
Kheibar Shekan Missile: Iran's Formidable Weapon
The Kheibar Shekan is one of Iran's most advanced and powerful medium-range ballistic missiles, named after the historic Battle of Khaybar, a significant Islamic military event. This missile symbolizes Iran's military prowess, intended to outsmart enemy air defense systems.
Key Features of Kheibar Shekan
Range: Reaching 1,450 kilometers, capable of striking Israel from Iran with ease.
Weight: Can carry warheads up to 1500 kg.
Guidance System: Equipped with satellite navigation and control fins for precise targeting and penetrating air defenses.
Propulsion: Solid fuel propulsion enables rapid and safe launch, minimizing preemptive strike opportunities for adversaries compared to liquid-fueled missiles.
Maneuverability: Features a Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicle (MaRV), allowing in-flight directional changes, aiding in evading systems like Israel's Iron Dome.
Destructive Power: Capable of deploying cluster warheads, causing widespread devastation.
IRGC reported that this missile was utilized in the "Operation True Promise 3" as the 20th wave, integrating both liquid and solid-fuel missiles.
The 20th Missile Wave: Details of the Attack
On June 22, 2025, Iran launched its 20th missile attack on Israel, employing Kheibar Shekan missiles for the first time, marking a significant shock to Israel. According to the IRGC, the following targets were hit...
Ben Gurion Airport: Located near Tel Aviv, it is Israel's largest and most significant airport, targeted to disrupt Israeli air traffic and military operations.
Military Bases: Included command-and-control centers, logistics bases, and a biological research facility.
Tel Aviv and Haifa: Residential areas were also targeted, inciting panic among civilians.
Source: aajtak
The IRGC claimed a new warfare strategy confused Israel's defense systems, with some missiles penetrating the Iron Dome and Arrow missile defense systems to reach their targets. In Tel Aviv's Ramat Gan area, nine buildings were destroyed, with hundreds more damaged. Explosions were also reported in Haifa.
Impact of the Attack
Casualties: At least 16 were injured in Israel, some in critical condition. Damage occurred in residential areas of Tel Aviv, Nes Tziona, and Haifa.
Air Traffic Halted: Israel closed its airspace, canceling flights from Ben Gurion Airport. Several airlines also suspended flights to Israel.
Civilian Life Disrupted: Schools closed, public gatherings banned, and Israeli citizens urged to seek refuge in bunkers.
IRGC's Claim: Iran asserts destruction of Israeli military bases, although Israel contends its military installations suffered no significant damage.
Cause of the Attack: U.S. Air Strikes
This Iranian attack followed U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. On June 21, 2025, the U.S. utilized B-2 Stealth Bombers and GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs to target Iran's nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The strikes significantly impaired Iran's nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump declared Fordow "completely destroyed," though the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated no radiation leaked.
Iran regarded the strikes as a declaration of war and warned of retaliation. The IRGC stated the Kheibar Shekan missiles were fired to teach a lesson to Israel and the U.S.
Israel-Iran Conflict: A Historical Perspective
The tension between Israel and Iran dates back decades. Israel views Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat, while Iran insists it's for peaceful purposes. Direct attacks began in 2024 when Israel targeted the Iranian embassy in Damascus. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel in April 2024.
This tension morphed into war by June 2025 when Israel initiated "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites. The strikes led to the deaths of prominent Iranian military commanders—Hossein Salami, Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, and Gholam Ali Rashid. Several nuclear scientists were also assassinated. Iran responded with relentless missile and drone attacks on Israel, launching 545 drones and hundreds of missiles by the 20th wave.
Significance of Kheibar Shekan
The Kheibar Shekan missile signifies a major shift in Iran's military strategy. It's not only a challenge to Israel's defense mechanisms but also showcases Iran's technological advancements. The IRGC claimed the missile forced Israeli defenses to "collide," allowing several missiles to reach their targets. Nonetheless, Israel asserted that most missiles were intercepted, and no major damage occurred to its military bases.
