On Saturday, Iran introduced a new ballistic missile named the “Jihad,” developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, during a military parade in Tehran.
This event coincided with Iran’s “Sacred Defense Week,” which honors the lives lost during the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988. The parade serves as a tribute to the many Iranians who died in that conflict, not a reaction to more recent regional tensions.
Among the highlights of the parade was the solid-fuel Jihad missile, boasting a range of about 620 miles. Additionally, Iran showcased its latest one-way attack drone, the Shahed 136B, which has an impressive range of around 2,500 miles.
The military showcase followed two lethal attacks, believed to be carried out by Israel on Lebanese territory, utilizing booby-trapped pagers. While Israel has neither claimed nor denied responsibility, a U.S. official indicated that Israel had informed the U.S. about the operation.
These attacks targeted members of Hezbollah, but unfortunately, many civilians, including children and healthcare workers, were injured or killed as the devices detonated in public and private areas. Reports suggest dozens lost their lives, and over 3,000 sustained injuries. Iranian ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani was also hurt in the blasts.
During a U.N. Security Council meeting, Iranian Representative Amir Saeid Iravani condemned the actions, stating that Israel crossed a line by targeting their ambassador. He accused Israel of carrying out systematic acts of terror through these unprecedented blasts and vowed to hold them accountable under international law.
Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, Iranian-supported Hezbollah has intensified its operations against Israeli forces. This conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Israel conducting extensive operations in Gaza that have displaced millions and caused tens of thousands of deaths.
Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah has called the detonations a “declaration of war,” indicating that Israel will face repercussions. Following these escalating tensions, significant military exchanges have occurred between Hezbollah and Israel, with reports of heavy Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon.
Lebanon’s state news agency noted that Israeli forces launched over 100 airstrikes in a single hour on Saturday alone.