TEHRAN — Iran unveiled its latest domestically developed ballistic missile, the Qasem Basir, on Sunday, as Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a stark warning to the United States and the Israeli regime: "We hold no animosity toward neighboring states, but U.S. bases are our targets if war is imposed on us."

The Qasem Basir, an upgraded solid-fuel missile derived from Iran’s Shahid Haj Qassem platform, boasts a range of at least 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) and is designed to evade advanced missile defense systems like the U.S.-made THAAD and Patriot. Named in honor of Iran’s revered martyred General Qasem Soleimani, both missile systems carry his name.

Nasirzadeh emphasized its precision and resilience during a televised interview, stating, "This missile is immune to electronic warfare, does not rely on GPS, and can identify specific targets among decoys with pinpoint accuracy, deviating less than one meter in final tests."

The unveiling follows weeks of heightened rhetoric from Washington and Tel Aviv. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently recklessly threatened Iran on social media: "We see your lethal support to the Houthis. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing."

Nasirzadeh condemned Washington’s "hypocritical" stance, especially as U.S. officials continued ramping up their rhetoric even while Oman-mediated nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. proceeded, noting, "U.S. officials claim they seek dialogue while simultaneously threatening military action."

“Speaking to Iran with the language of threats is futile,” the defense minister asserted.

President Donald Trump has reiterated threats to “bomb Iran” unless the nation accepts a nuclear deal that aligns with his preferences, while the Israeli regime’s Benjamin Netanyahu claimed to retaliate against Iran for an Ansarallah missile strike near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, saying, "Attacks from the Houthis ultimately emanate from Iran."

Nasirzadeh dismissed these accusations, asserting Yemen’s Ansarallah movement acts independently: "The U.S. must stop fabricating crises. Yemen’s decisions are its own.”

“The U.S. and the Israeli regime speak the language of threats, but they must learn that Iran does not bow to intimidation,” the defense minister stated. “Any aggression will meet decisive retaliation.”

Iran’s proven retaliatory prowess

During his interview, the Iranian general referenced Iran’s True Promise I and True Promise II operations—large-scale missile and drone strikes against Israeli military sites in April and October 2024.

These operations, which targeted Israel’s critical military infrastructure such as Nevatim and Tel Nof Airbases, demonstrated Iran’s ability to penetrate the regime’s vaunted Iron Dome and Arrow defenses.

Analysts note that these strikes depleted Israel’s missile interceptors and exposed vulnerabilities in U.S.-backed systems. 

"Lessons from True Promise Operations guided Qasem Basir’s development," Nasirzadeh stated. "We have fortified weaknesses and expanded our underground missile cities to ensure readiness."

Deploying stealth, speed, and agility

The Qasem Basir missile system has integrated advanced technologies to counter modern defenses, prioritizing evasion and rapid strikes.

Its infrared and optical guidance systems enable precise targeting without relying on GPS, circumventing electronic warfare tactics used to disrupt navigation. Analysts note this ensures functionality even in jamming-heavy environments. 

A lightweight carbon fiber body reduces radar visibility while maintaining stability at hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 12, complicating interception efforts. Coupled with solid-fuel propulsion, the system achieves launch readiness in minutes, far faster than liquid-fueled alternatives, allowing swift, unpredictable deployments from mobile units.

Together, these features emphasize survivability and tactical flexibility, destabilizing the reliability of conventional missile defense measures.

Qasem Basir bolsters Iran’s asymmetric warfare strategy, which prioritizes cost-effective, high-precision weapons to overwhelm adversaries.

Its deployment aligns with Iran’s broader military modernization, including underground naval bases, supersonic anti-ship missiles, and drone swarms showcased in recent drills.