Iran Showcases Underground Missile Deployment, Claims 10-Minute Strike Capability on Israel

The Iranian government-aligned news agency Fars claimed Thursday that the Khorramshahr-4 missile has been positioned for the first time inside underground IRGC complexes, known locally as “missile cities.” The report describes the system as one of Iran’s most advanced and formidable missiles, and says its relocation to these fortified sites is meant to strengthen both readiness and operational effectiveness of the terror-sponsor state’s ballistic missile forces.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have surged in recent weeks amid threats of military action and a major U.S. naval buildup in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly warned Iran that military options remain on the table if Tehran does not curb its nuclear and missile programs and halt the suppression of widespread protests. Iran and US representatives are set to meet in Oman on Friday to begin negotiations.

Iran says that the new missile is capable of reaching speeds up to 16 times the speed of sound, amounting to tens of thousands of kilometers per hour outside the atmosphere, and roughly Mach 8 within it. These speeds, the agency claims, would reduce the time required to strike targets in Israel to approximately 10–12 minutes after launch.

Introduced publicly in May 2023 and referred to as “Kheiber,” the Khorramshahr-4 is categorized as a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM). Open-source information indicates that it uses a single-stage, liquid-fuel engine and has a stated range of around 2,000 kilometers, placing it within striking distance of locations throughout the Middle East.

Another feature highlighted in the report is the missile’s capacity to carry a warhead estimated at between 1.5 and 1.8 tons.

Positioning the missile within underground shelters is reportedly intended to provide the Revolutionary Guards with a stronger “second strike” capability and to increase their resilience should Iran’s nuclear or missile infrastructure come under preemptive attack.