Iran Unveils Underground ‘Missile City’—But Has It Exposed a Critical Weakness?
Deep beneath Iranian soil lies a vast network of underground tunnels, brimming with the nation’s most formidable missiles. Recently, Iran’s state media broadcasted footage of Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, inspecting the facility.
Among the showcased arsenal were the Kheibar Shekan (900-mile range), Haj Qassem (850 miles), Ghadr-H (1,240 miles), Sejjil (1,550 miles), and Emad (1,050 miles), along with the Paveh Land Attack Cruise Missile—many of which have been reportedly used in recent strikes against Israel.
A Display of Power or a Vulnerability Exposed?
While the video was meant to project strength, it inadvertently exposed a potential weakness. Military analysts noted that Iran’s munitions were stored in large, open tunnels without blast doors or fortified barriers. This layout, they warned, could lead to catastrophic chain explosions if the site were targeted, undermining Iran’s strategic depth.
A Message to Israel and the Region
Beyond the military display, the footage carried a clear symbolic message. As General Bagheri toured the facility, cameras captured him stepping on an Israeli flag painted onto the floor.
“Iran’s iron fist is far stronger than before—ten times stronger than True Promise I,” he declared, referencing Iran’s April 2024 missile attack on Israel. He further asserted that Iran had significantly enhanced its defense capabilities, signaling defiance amid rising regional tensions.
US-Iran Standoff Escalates
The unveiling of the missile city comes at a precarious moment. Days earlier, former US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Iran agree to a new nuclear deal within two months or face severe consequences. Washington has warned that failure to comply could result in tougher sanctions—or even military action.
In response, Iran remains resolute. Its leaders insist that the nation’s nuclear and missile programs are non-negotiable, citing national security concerns. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the US stance, branding Washington a “bully.” Meanwhile, US airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have intensified, further escalating hostilities in the region.
Iran’s Expanding Military Infrastructure
This missile city is the latest in a pattern of military expansion. In 2020, Iran revealed a secret ballistic missile facility with underground rail tunnels for rapid deployment. Three years later, another underground complex was unveiled—this time designed to shield combat aircraft.
However, Iran’s strategy carries significant risks. With missile stockpiles stored in vast underground chambers, a single targeted strike could trigger a devastating chain reaction. While Tehran boasts of its underground military network, it may also be exposing a strategic vulnerability.
A High-Stakes Confrontation Looms
As the US flexes its military muscle—deploying two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region—and Iran refuses to yield, the risk of a direct confrontation grows.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently suggested that while indirect negotiations with Washington may be possible, direct talks remain off the table unless US policy shifts.
For now, Iran’s missile cities stand as a symbol of defiance. But with tensions at boiling point, the question remains: How much longer before this standoff erupts into open conflict?
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Iran Unveils Underground ‘Missile City’—But Has It Exposed a Critical Weakness?