Iran’s New Underground Missiles Threaten Regional Security – SOFREP News Team

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled over the weekend its newest coastal missile systems, which were now being stored securely in reinforced underground tunnels. Both IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami and IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri have reportedly visited the site.

This move not only enhances the protection of these advanced weapons from airstrikes but also ensures their rapid deployment, marking a major shift in Iran’s defensive posture.

The development, part of Iran’s ongoing efforts to fortify its military infrastructure, presents a new challenge to the United States and Israel, both of whom have long been wary of Iran’s growing missile and naval power.

Iran’s New Underground Missile Depot

The announcement was made during a period of heightened regional tensions, underscoring the increasing importance of Iran’s missile capabilities in the face of mounting threats.

These missiles, which reportedly have a range of over 1,000 kilometers (over 600 miles), can be launched with high precision to target both land and sea-based threats.

By hiding them in underground facilities, Iran has shielded its missile systems from the devastating effects of airstrikes—one of the most common methods used to neutralize such high-value assets in modern warfare.

The missile systems themselves, now capable of striking targets far beyond Iran’s borders, add a new layer of deterrence to the nation’s defense strategy.

According to Salami, these systems can be quickly brought online and fired, providing Iran with the ability to launch highly effective strikes without the need for lengthy preparation.

The ability to launch missiles from deep within the country, with the added protection of underground storage, also reduces the vulnerability of these assets to preemptive strikes, making them a formidable force in Iran’s arsenal.

The unveiling of these underground missile facilities marks a milestone in Iran’s ballistic missile program. The infrastructure improvements come as part of a broader plan to enhance the IRGC’s operational readiness and regional reach, further solidifying the country’s strategic position.

In the context of rising regional instability—especially with the US and Israel’s continued pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and regional activities—this move signals Iran’s intent to expand its military capabilities and deterrent power.

Implications for the United States and Israel

For the United States, which has military bases scattered across the Middle East, this development is a serious cause for concern.

The range and precision of Iran’s coastal missile systems, now able to strike targets well beyond 1,000 kilometers, pose a direct threat to American military assets stationed in the region.

US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and elsewhere in the Arabian Gulf are now within range of these upgraded missiles. This capability fundamentally alters the calculus for US defense planning, as these long-range, high-precision missiles can be deployed with little warning, significantly increasing the risk of surprise attacks.

The potential for Iran to target US naval assets, particularly those operating in the Persian Gulf, is another alarming prospect.

The United States has historically relied on its superior naval power to assert dominance in the region, but the increasing accuracy and range of Iran’s missile systems complicate this advantage.

US forces will now need to reassess their defensive strategies, particularly when it comes to missile defense and naval operations, to mitigate the growing threat posed by Iran’s evolving military infrastructure.

Israel, a longtime adversary of Iran, faces similar challenges.

Iran’s missile and naval advancements increase the likelihood of asymmetric threats targeting Israeli military installations, airfields, ports, and civilian infrastructure.

The capability to launch precision strikes from deep within Iranian territory means that Iran can potentially strike Israeli assets without warning, bypassing Israel’s established missile defense systems.

The growing ability of Iran to project power through its missile and naval forces is a direct challenge to Israel’s security, and it further exacerbates concerns over Iran’s ambitions in the region.

In response to these developments, Israel will likely accelerate efforts to bolster its own missile defense systems and naval capabilities.

The ongoing arms race in the region has prompted Israel to pursue advanced missile defense technologies, such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, which are designed to intercept short- and medium-range missile threats.

However, with Iran’s growing missile range and the added complication of underground missile storage, Israel will need to adapt its strategies to counter these evolving threats effectively.

Final Thoughts

The announcement of Iran’s underground missile storage facilities marks a significant milestone in the country’s military evolution. By enhancing the protection and operational readiness of its coastal missile systems, Iran has added a powerful new layer of deterrence to its defense strategy.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, particularly for the US and Israel, both of whom must now confront the reality of Iran’s growing missile and naval capabilities.

As regional tensions continue to rise, the ability to counter or neutralize Iran’s evolving military infrastructure will remain a critical aspect of US and Israeli defense strategies in the Middle East.