Fars: Three Iranian Missiles as Main Candidates for the Destruction of Israel

Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), identified three types of Iranian missiles, 'Shahab', 'Qadr', and 'Sajil', as 'main candidates for the destruction of Israel' and reported the construction of 'underground silos' for launching ballistic missiles in various locations across Iran. The news agency referred to these missiles as 'Israel-strikers'. Simultaneously, Tasnim News Agency, another outlet linked to this military institution, published a report on Iranian-made rockets that have been provided to Palestinian armed groups for attacking Israel. On Saturday, November 24, Fars reported on the production process of the three Iranian missiles 'Shahab', 'Qadr', and 'Sajil', naming them as 'main candidates for the destruction of Israel' and noting that besides these three missiles, 'advanced missiles' are also available to the 'Islamic resistance in the region'. Iranian officials refer to military groups opposing Israel in the region, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, as Islamic resistance. Fars highlighted the development of 'Shahab 3' missiles with a range of 1,150 kilometers, while the 'Qadr' missile is described as a more advanced version of Shahab 3, operating with liquid fuel and a range of 1,650 kilometers. According to this news agency, liquid-fueled missiles require significant preparation time due to the need for fuel charging in tanks before launch. To address this issue, 'underground silos' for launching ballistic missiles have been constructed in 'various locations' in Iran for years, allowing charged and ready-to-launch missiles to be stored for several months. The IRGC-affiliated news agency identified the 'Sajil' missile with a 'range of 2,000 kilometers' as Iran's top ballistic missile and the first long-range solid-fuel missile, which can be prepared for launch in 'just a few minutes' and allows the launcher to quickly leave the site after firing. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, stated on Tuesday, November 19, that Iran has produced 'solid-fuel multi-stage missiles' with 'a range of 2,000 kilometers and a 10-meter accuracy' that 'can target Israel'. Mohammad Ali Mohammadi Kermani, the Friday prayer leader of Tehran, also stated on Friday, November 23, that the 'Sajil' ballistic missile could 'level all points in Israel and US bases in the region', asserting that no Israeli nuclear or missile facility is 'safe from Iranian missiles'. The extensive reports on Iran's missile capabilities for attacking Israel by IRGC-affiliated media coincide with Iran's nuclear negotiations with the 5+1 countries, which must reach a comprehensive agreement by December 3, less than ten days away, based on previous agreements. Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of the IRGC and secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council of Iran, stated in an interview published by Tasnim on Friday that 'what brought the 5+1 to their senses to negotiate with us was Iran's missile power and defensive capability'. Tasnim also reported on Saturday about 'Fajr' rockets that have reportedly been used by Palestinian armed groups in their conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip. The West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, which supports the peace process with Israel. The Gaza Strip is controlled by its rival group, Hamas, which has been under siege by Israel for several years and considers military confrontation as the way to counter this country. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the war with Israel as a 'fateful war' that 'must determine the outcome' during a meeting with the Secretary-General of Islamic Jihad in Palestine on October 24.