“Qassem Basir”: Israel’s New Concern
WANA (May 05) – Iran’s latest missile, named Qassem Basir, serves as a clear confirmation of the country’s operational readiness and represents another significant step in enhancing the Islamic Republic’s deterrence capabilities — a development that has raised concerns in Israel.
Unveiled just recently, the Qassem Basir missile has a range exceeding 1,200 kilometers and boasts pinpoint accuracy with a circular error probability of less than one meter. It is equipped with a thermal imaging (optical) system, allowing for precise target identification and engagement.
Interestingly, Iran’s aerospace experts at the Ministry of Defense have deliberately avoided using GPS technology in the missile’s navigation system. The missile has also been enhanced for greater maneuverability to evade advanced air defense systems.
Qassem Basir is highly resistant to electronic warfare and has been tested under intense electronic jamming conditions. Another key feature is its capability to identify the primary target among multiple decoys.
The most recent test of this missile took place on April 16, 2025. What sets it apart from other Iranian missiles is the incorporation of lessons learned from the operations known as True Promise 1 and 2 during its design and development.
#Iran officially unveils the “Qassem Basir” #ballistic missile,
with a range of at least 1,200 km and the ability to bypass anti-ballistic systems like #THAAD.
Iran’s Defense Minister: This highly maneuverable missile can overcome even complex threats. pic.twitter.com/T4Mv2BCJbe— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) May 4, 2025
What Happened in True Promise 1 and 2?
In these operations, Iran’s armed forces, for the first time, targeted and struck deep into Israeli-occupied territories.
On April 14, 2025, the IRGC Aerospace Force launched True Promise 1 in response to Israeli aggression — specifically, the deadly airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus that killed several Iranian commanders and military advisors. This action was in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The operation began with the launch of Shahed-136 drones from Iran, followed by ballistic and cruise missile strikes. Missiles such as Emad, Kheibar Shekan, and Qadr-H hit key targets including a spy base in the Golan Heights and the Negev Nuclear Research Center (involved in the April 1 attack).
Israeli analysts estimate that the country’s air defense systems incurred around $1.5 billion in damages during this operation, while Iran spent only about 10% of that amount to carry out the strikes.
True Promise 1: The World’s Largest Drone Attack From Iran to Israel
WANA (Apr 15) – One year ago, on April 14, Iran decided to shatter the illusion of Israeli “immunity.” An operation named True Promise wasn’t just an attack — it was a game-changer for the entire region. A regime that had long boasted about its power behind the Iron Dome was, this time, directly […]
Iran’s Second Fulfilled Promise to Israel
After this, on July 31, 2025, Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh — the political leader of Hamas — who was visiting Iran for the presidential inauguration.
In response, Iran launched True Promise 2 on October 2, 2025, targeting occupied territories with 200 ballistic missiles. Over 90% of the missiles reportedly struck their intended targets.
Key Israeli air bases — Negev, Hatzerim, and Tel Nof — along with command centers, were hit using Emad, Qadr, Kheibar Shekan, and Fattah-1 missiles.
Why True Promise Was Executed
Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, explained that True Promise 1 was carried out due to the enemy’s repeated miscalculations and their failure to recognize Iran’s red lines. This misjudgment, he noted, led to the decisive Iranian response in both operations.
According to General Hajizadeh, True Promise 1 was the largest ballistic missile operation ever conducted — executed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Hajizadeh: Israel Has Faced Irreparable Strategic Defeat
WANA (Feb 19) – The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, has stated that the issue of Palestine has become a global matter and that Israel has suffered a significant and irreversible strategic defeat. General Hajizadeh emphasized that the current phase of regional developments began […]
Iran’s Strong Position Against U.S.-Israeli Air Defenses
The unveiling of Qassem Basir reflects Iran’s serious commitment to bolstering its offensive and defensive military capabilities. With its extended range, precision targeting, and advanced features, this missile is one of the most notable achievements in Iran’s defense industry, significantly enhancing the country’s standing in missile technology.
This development aligns with Iran’s broader strategy of active deterrence and firm response to threats. The Qassem Basir is not only a symbol of technical and engineering advancement but also sends a clear message to potential adversaries in the region and beyond.
Its ability to bypass sophisticated air defense systems and resist electronic warfare demonstrates that Iran has approached the level of leading countries in smart weapons technology. The missile’s guidance system, which operates independently of GPS, also reflects Iran’s growing self-sufficiency under sanctions.
The significance of this unveiling becomes even clearer when placed in the context of Iran’s existing missile capabilities. Iranian armed forces have previously demonstrated success in penetrating advanced American and Israeli defense systems with homegrown missiles.
Achieving this level of missile capability is the result of years of continuous effort under challenging security and political conditions. With the introduction of Qassem Basir, Iran has entered a new and more advanced phase.
Ultimately, the successful test of Qassem Basir on April 16, 2025, confirms its operational readiness and marks another milestone in strengthening Iran’s deterrent power. Beyond being a battlefield asset, this missile plays a strategic role in regional power dynamics and underscores Iran’s status as a key player in West Asia’s security landscape.
