Kheibar Shekan missile news
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The gist
Iran's Kheibar Shekan missiles hit US bases in Jordan, damaging infrastructure. The weapon's maneuverability challenges US defenses, escalating the conflict.
Background
The Kheibar Shekan, meaning 'Castle Breaker', is an Iranian ballistic missile unveiled in 2022. It gained prominence after Iran used it in retaliatory attacks on US military targets in Jordan, following US strikes on Iranian launchers on Larak Island. The missile's ability to maneuver in its final descent phase makes it difficult to intercept, raising concerns about its effectiveness against US defenses.
How it unfolded
- Aug 30, 2026US forces attacked two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, the first known American attack on Iran since late.
- Aug 31, 2026Iran's IRGC launched 'Operation Punishment of the Aggressor,' using Kheibar Shekan missiles and Shahed-136 drones to target US technical facilities and fighter-jet positions at King Hussein Air Base and Al-Azraq/Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
- Sep 2, 2026Al Jazeera and other outlets report on the Kheibar Shekan's role, highlighting its guidance system and the damage caused to US bases.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Iran's IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency confirmed the strikes, saying they caused significant damage to technical and maintenance infrastructure at the two bases.
- Analysts
- CIA analyst Jim Lamson noted the missile's guidance system allows it to maneuver rapidly and strike within 10 meters of a target, a significant achievement.
Still unverified
The exact extent of damage at the US bases has not been independently verified; Iranian state media claims significant damage, but US officials have not confirmed details.