Middle East conflict: Iran fires ‘Kheybar Shekan’ missile at Israel for first time after US strikes - Why it matters?

In a stark escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, Iran's revolutionary guard corps (IRGC) said that it used its Kheybar Shekan ballistic missile against Israel for the first time.

The Kheybar Shekan, a solid-fueled, long-range missile unveiled just two years ago, was among 40 ballistic missiles launched by Iran in the latest offensive aimed at Israel's northern and central regions, according to Iranian state media. The barrage comes hours after the United States bombed Iran's three most critical nuclear facilities, drawing direct American involvement into the conflict.Missiles over Haifa and Tel AvivThe Israeli military confirmed that at least 10 sites were struck by the Iranian assault, prompting air-raid sirens across Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other central cities.

The northern port city of Haifa reported at least 31 injuries, several of them serious, according to the Jerusalem Post.Israel's Iron Dome and other missile defence systems intercepted multiple incoming warheads, but officials warned that Iran's new generation of missiles, including the Kheybar Shekan, pose a significant challenge due to their manoeuvrability and long range.What is the Kheybar Shekan missile?The Kheybar Shekan is part of the third generation of ballistic missiles developed by the IRGC Aerospace Force, first unveiled in 2022.

It is considered a significant leap in Iran’s indigenous missile technology.Key specs:

The missile's high mobility and quick-launch capability, mounted on a 10-wheel civilian-style chassis, make it hard to detect and track before launch, adding another layer of complexity for Israel and US forces operating in the region.Retaliation after US strikesThe launch came just hours after US B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles struck Iran's Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, deploying the 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs designed to hit fortified underground sites.Rather than retreating, Tehran responded by escalating its missile campaign, signalling that American firepower has not blunted its appetite for retaliation — and that Israel remains well within reach of its arsenal.