Islamic Republic Claims Design and Construction of 'Supersonic Cruise Missile'

On Wednesday, August 9, the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported the 'design and construction' of a supersonic cruise missile amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic over maritime security in the region. Tasnim did not publish an image of the missile and noted that the new missile is undergoing testing, but did not specify when the testing would be completed. The agency described the design and construction of this missile as a 'new chapter in Iran's defensive power,' adding that its 'significant increase in speed' and 'difficulty in countering' it are among its advantages. Tasnim stated that in the event of a conflict, these missiles would greatly enhance the Islamic Republic's 'reaction capability' and 'take away the opportunity for response from attacking forces.' According to Reuters, Iran claims that its weapons, part of the largest missile programs in the Middle East, can target U.S. and Israeli bases in the region. Previously, Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senator Bill Hagerty, proposed a draft aimed at 'imposing ongoing sanctions' by the U.S. on the Islamic Republic's 'missile and drone program.' Following the escalation of tensions between Iran and the U.S., Washington has sent 3,000 naval troops to the Red Sea to prevent Iranian maritime harassment of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, stated that these forces entered the Red Sea with two warships as part of a troop deployment increase following the seizure of tankers by Iran. He emphasized that this presence is a strong commitment to maritime security across the Middle East. The spokesperson also highlighted that 'increased readiness is a crucial factor for deterrence against the disruptive activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.' After the deployment of these forces, General Michael Eric Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, a U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated Washington and its allies' commitment to 'protecting commercial shipping' and 'the free flow of global trade.' Matthew Miller described the Strait of Hormuz as vital to the international economy, noting that one-quarter of the world's crude oil passes through it.