General Majid Mousavi, commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated on 9/3 that "from now on, only missiles carrying warheads heavier than one ton will be fired," referring to a new attack strategy targeting US and Israeli facilities in the region.

Mousavi added that Iran would increase the intensity, scale, and duration of attacks to inflict greater damage on the enemy. This announcement followed the IRGC's declaration of launching its first wave of attacks under the command of the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, as part of a retaliatory operation named "True Promise 4".

Iran's arsenal currently includes Shahab-3 and Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missiles, capable of carrying 1 to 2-ton warheads. Additionally, Iran possesses Hoveyzeh cruise missiles that can carry warheads weighing up to 2,4 tons.

An Iranian missile launching during a test in 5/2023. *Photo: AP*

According to the Jerusalem Post, Iranian missiles carrying warheads weighing several hundred kilograms were capable of completely destroying a building in Tel Aviv during previous attacks. Analysts warn that missiles carrying warheads over one ton could cause much wider damage, especially if equipped with multiple warheads or cluster munitions.

Martin Sampson, a former British defense advisor and Middle East military expert, noted that Iran still possesses a significant arsenal despite sustaining losses from US and Israeli airstrikes. He believes Tehran retains the ability to escalate conflict broadly through cruise missiles, cyber warfare capabilities, and naval mines.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on the same day that negotiations with Washington are no longer part of Tehran's current plans, following "many bitter lessons" from unfinished dialogue rounds. He criticized the US for previously pledging no intention to attack Iran and seeking a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue, yet still conducting preemptive airstrikes.

"We are well-prepared to continue missile engagement with the enemy as long as we deem it necessary. Iran warned from the outset that if the US attacked, we would retaliate by targeting all their bases in the region, as our weapons cannot reach US territory. We are defending ourselves against lawless aggression," he stated in an interview with PBS.

Foreign Minister Araghchi believes the US's initial plan was to change the regime in Iran, but that goal "has failed," and US and Israeli leaders are now "adrift." He accused Israel and the US of indiscriminate attacks, targeting residential areas, causing civilian deaths, and destroying Iran's energy infrastructure.

"Now they are trying other plans, but all plans will fail. All their objectives are illogical," he said.

*By Thanh Danh (According to Jerusalem Post, IRIB, Al Jazeera, Anadolu)*