In the early hours of February 28, 2026, a significant military operation unfolded as Israel and the United States launched synchronized airstrikes against multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Qom. These strikes, aimed primarily at crippling Iran’s military infrastructure, were part of a carefully planned offensive. Israel referred to the operation as “Roaring Lion,” while the US designated it “Operation Epic Fury.” The joint assault was described as pre-emptive, intending to degrade Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities before they could pose a more immediate threat.
The aftermath of these attacks saw an immediate and forceful response from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Tehran retaliated by launching a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel, with some projectiles also aimed at American military bases scattered across the region. Reports indicated that dozens, possibly hundreds, of missiles and drones were fired in this counterattack. Northern Israel experienced multiple explosions, and air raid sirens echoed throughout the country as the Iron Dome missile defense system worked tirelessly to intercept the incoming threats. This rapid escalation underscored the potency and resilience of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, which remains the largest in the Middle East despite recent attrition from ongoing conflicts.
Iran has traditionally maintained a self-imposed limit on missile range, capping it at around 2,000 kilometers (approximately 1,240 miles). This range is sufficient to target Israel and US military assets in the region, while Tehran has consistently denied ambitions to develop intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities. However, the recent exchanges have taken a toll on Iran’s missile inventory. Estimates suggest that the stockpile has shrunk from roughly 2,500 missiles to somewhere between 1,000 and 1,200 units, largely due to previous Israeli strikes and the recent conflict. Additionally, only about 100 mobile launchers remain operational, highlighting the strain on Iran’s missile deployment capacity.
To better understand the strategic dynamics at play, it is essential to examine Iran’s most prominent missile systems, their technical specifications, and the roles they fulfill within Tehran’s defense strategy. Iran’s missile program forms a central pillar of its deterrence policy, particularly against regional adversaries such as Israel and the United States. The arsenal includes a diverse mix of short-range, medium-range, and hypersonic missiles, many of which are stored in fortified underground facilities commonly referred to as “missile cities” to protect them from pre-emptive strikes.
During the February 2026 retaliation, Iran deployed a combination of these missile systems, including some of its most advanced models like the Sejjil and Fattah missiles. These were used in an attempt to overwhelm Israeli air defenses and demonstrate Tehran’s capability to respond decisively. Despite earlier strikes that damaged critical production facilities, particularly those involved in manufacturing solid-fuel missile components, Iran continues to upgrade and expand its missile technology.
The Sejjil missile stands out as a key asset within Iran’s medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) category. This solid-fuel missile can reach speeds exceeding 17,000 kilometers per hour and has an operational range of up to 2,500 kilometers. Its solid-fuel design allows for rapid launch readiness, making it difficult to detect and intercept. The Sejjil-2 variant was reportedly used for the first time in combat during the 2026 retaliation, showcasing its destructive potential despite production challenges caused by previous strikes on fuel mixing facilities.
Another formidable missile is the Khorramshahr-4, which has recently been deployed within the IRGC’s underground missile bases. This liquid-fueled missile boasts a range of 2,000 kilometers and can carry a substantial warhead weighing up to 1,500 kilograms. Its large payload capacity makes it particularly effective for saturation attacks designed to overwhelm enemy defenses. Iranian state media highlighted upgrades to this missile in early February 2026, emphasizing its role in strengthening Iran’s deterrence posture. While liquid-fuel missiles require longer preparation times compared to solid-fuel variants, they offer certain operational flexibilities that Tehran values.
The Fattah missile represents a significant technological advancement for Iran as its first hypersonic missile. With a range of approximately 1,400 kilometers, the Fattah travels at speeds that reportedly render it nearly impossible to intercept. Its maneuverability allows it to evade sophisticated air defense systems employed by Israel and the United States, underscoring Iran’s focus on asymmetric warfare capabilities. This missile has been claimed to have seen action in previous skirmishes with Israel, reflecting Tehran’s ongoing efforts to enhance its strategic deterrence.
The Shahab-3 missile and its variants remain the backbone of Iran’s medium-range missile inventory. The Shahab-3 itself has a range between 800 and 1,300 kilometers, while its variants, such as the Emad and Ghadr, extend this reach and improve accuracy. The Emad variant, for instance, can strike targets with a precision of around 500 meters and has a range of up to 1,700 kilometers, making it a crucial tool in Iran’s strikes against US bases and Israeli targets. The Ghadr missile pushes the range further to 2,000 kilometers, potentially allowing Iran to reach parts of Europe, which adds a new dimension to its strategic threat.
Additional missiles like the Kheibar and Haj Qasem contribute to the layered nature of Iran’s missile threat. The Kheibar, a solid-fuel missile with a 2,000-kilometer range, and the Haj Qasem, with a 1,400-kilometer range, provide Tehran with multiple vectors from which to launch attacks, complicating enemy defense planning. The Zolfaghar missile, with a shorter range of 700 kilometers, is often used for precision strikes in regional conflicts, demonstrating the diversity of Iran’s missile capabilities.
The February 2026 strikes have undoubtedly placed further pressure on Iran’s missile resources, with significant damage reported to launch sites and production facilities. Nevertheless, Iran’s ability to mount a substantial retaliatory missile barrage highlights its resilience and determination to maintain a credible deterrent. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has issued warnings about Iran’s potential to develop longer-range missile systems, though Tehran continues to assert that its missile program is strictly defensive in nature.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer, Iran’s missile arsenal remains a critical factor shaping regional security dynamics. These weapons not only influence military strategies but also affect diplomatic relations and alliance formations across the region. The ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States serves as a stark reminder of how missile technology can alter the balance of power and escalate geopolitical confrontations.
