June 22, 2025
Discover the Khayber Missile That Struck Israel This Morning: An Unprecedented Ballistic Escalation
By
Yassine Atoui
22 June 2025
This morning, during a new wave of Iranian retaliation against Israel, the Khayber ballistic missile was used for the first time, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, citing a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
This launch marks a major turning point in the ongoing confrontation, with the introduction of a medium-range missile said to be more powerful and accurate than previously used models.
The deployment of the Khayber comes in the wake of the U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, followed by a massive Iranian response. This morning’s operation targeted several locations in Israel, including Ben Gurion Airport, command centers, and a biological research facility. The Khayber missile was reportedly used in this 20th salvo of missiles, which caused significant material damage and injured at least 27 people.
The Khayber is classified as a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), with an estimated range of 1,000 to 1,450 kilometers. It is believed to feature enhanced penetration capabilities, allowing it to strike strategic infrastructure with a conventional warhead.
The Symbolism Behind the Name
“Khayber” refers to a historic 7th-century battle between Muslims and a Jewish tribe in the Khayber oasis, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. The name carries strong symbolic weight and is often used in Iran’s political and military rhetoric, as well as by allied groups.
While exact specifications may vary or remain unconfirmed, several presumed characteristics of the Khayber missile include:
- Type: Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)
- Estimated Range: Between 1,000 and 1,450 km, depending on the version
- Propulsion: Liquid or solid fuel (depending on the model)
- Accuracy: Reportedly improved over previous generations
- Warhead: Conventional, with theoretical potential for chemical payloads, though no evidence suggests anything beyond conventional use
Its deployment in this context clearly signals Iran’s intent to escalate its military engagement in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes.
A Message to Israel and the United States
The use of the Khayber is not only a military maneuver but also a political and strategic message. Iran is demonstrating that it possesses an advanced ballistic arsenal capable of long-range, precision strikes. This choice of weapon comes as Tehran explicitly threatens to target sensitive locations, such as the Dimona nuclear reactor, if the conflict expands.
In Israel, authorities acknowledged that the latest Iranian missile barrage bypassed some early warning systems. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of siren failures in Haifa, while evacuations continue in Tel Aviv and heavily affected coastal areas. According to emergency services, compensation requests have already surpassed 32,000.
A Technological and Military Escalation
The introduction of the Khayber missile into the military equation marks a sharp escalation in the scope and intensity of Iran’s response, while showcasing its capacity for ballistic innovation.
This development increases pressure on Israel and its allies and raises the risk of a broader regional conflict.
As Western capitals call for de-escalation, the cycle of confrontation appears increasingly driven by ever more sophisticated weaponry.
This morning, during a new wave of Iranian retaliation against Israel, the Khayber ballistic missile was used for the first time, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, citing a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This launch marks a major turning point in the ongoing...
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