Iran Tests New Missile That Could Target U.S. Forces "Create Hell"

By Amir Daftari

Iran has test-fired an anti-ship cruise missile with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), a weapon capable of reaching U.S. Navy vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, state television reported.

The test follows Iran's continued efforts to expand its missile capabilities amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Department of Defense for comment via email.

Why It Matters

Iran's missile development poses a growing challenge to U.S. military operations in the region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments. The latest test signals Tehran's commitment to strengthening its naval defenses, a move that could escalate tensions with Washington and regional adversaries.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the successful launch of the Ghadr-380, an anti-ship cruise missile with anti-jamming capabilities. General Ali Reza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC navy, stated that the missile can be deployed from underground facilities and requires minimal preparation before launch.

U.S. Naval Operations

Iranian state television reported that the missile was fired from central Iran into the Sea of Oman, an area where U.S. naval forces frequently operate. The report did not specify the warhead type or the exact timing of the test but described the missile as a "sophisticated weapon."

It also noted that a single crew member can prepare and launch the missile in under five minutes.

Iranian Missile Development

Iran has long prioritized missile development, particularly following its 1980-1988 war with Iraq, when both countries targeted cities with missile strikes. Since then, Tehran has periodically disclosed new underground missile sites and expanded its missile program, asserting that its arsenal includes long-range missiles capable of targeting much of the Middle East, including Israel.

Israel and Iran Tensions

In October 2024, amid Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel, with Israeli forces intercepting most of them.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Iran would pay for the attack and ordered retaliatory airstrikes on Iranian military targets. In response, the U.S. announced plans to deploy an advanced anti-missile system and more troops to Israel to strengthen its air defenses.

What People Are Saying

General Ali Reza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC navy said: "This is a Ghadr-380 mile type L. It has over 1,000 kilometers range. It has anti-jamming capability." He warned that these weapons could "create hell for the enemy's warships."

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President stated: "Our progress in defense and space technologies is designed to prevent any thoughts of aggression or invasion against Iran."

What Happens Next?

The United States and its allies view Iran's missile program as a direct threat, alongside its nuclear ambitions. Continued missile tests and expanding military facilities could further strain regional stability and increase tensions between Iran and Western forces.