Iran Uses New Missile Named After Qassem Soleimani in Attack on Israel
Iran used its new "Haj Qassem" ballistic missile, named after Qassem Soleimani, in strikes on Israel, CNN reports. The solid-fueled missile, designed to evade U.S. and Israeli defenses, marks a major escalation in Iran’s military capabilities.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iran has claimed it used a newly developed ballistic missile, named after former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, in its latest strikes on Israel, according to reports by CNN citing Iranian state-affiliated media.
CNN’s Brad Lendon reported that the FARS news agency confirmed the use of the Haj Qassem guided ballistic missile in a wave of Iranian attacks that struck Israeli territory overnight into Sunday, June 15, 2025.
According to Iranian state media, the missile is a new addition to Iran’s military arsenal. The weapon was unveiled in early May and is reportedly solid-fueled, with a range of 1,200 kilometers. Tasnim News Agency noted that the missile is equipped with a maneuverable warhead designed to evade advanced missile-defense systems, including the US-supplied Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and the Patriot missile systems currently in place in Israel.
Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh previously told Iranian state television on May 4 that the missile is specifically built to bypass US and Israeli defense systems. According to Tasnim, it is fitted with an advanced navigation system capable of accurate targeting and resistance to electronic warfare.
The missile is named after Qassem Soleimani, the high-ranking commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, who was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq during the Trump administration’s first term.
CNN reported that one of the Iranian ballistic missiles hit the Israeli city of Bat Yam on Sunday, causing significant damage, with responders seen sifting through the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The use of the Haj Qassem missile marks a significant development in Iran's missile capabilities amid escalating military tensions in the region.
