Iranian Military Chiefs Inspect New Underground Missile Base Amid Regional Tensions

Iranian Military Demonstrates Readiness

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, top Iranian military officials conducted a high-profile visit to a newly unveiled underground missile base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. The visit, led by Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Brigadier General Seyed Majid Mousavi, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, was intended to assess the operational readiness and capabilities of Iran's missile units.

The demonstration of military strength comes in the wake of a 12-day conflict with Israel in June last year, which Iranian officials stated had significantly impacted Iran's air defenses. During the visit, Major General Mousavi emphasized that Iran has substantially upgraded its ballistic missiles across all technical dimensions, thereby strengthening its deterrence capabilities. He also indicated a shift in Iran's military doctrine from a defensive to an offensive posture, focusing on rapid, large-scale operations and asymmetric warfare.

Focus on the Khorramshahr Missile

A key highlight of the visit was the display of the Khorramshahr missile, a liquid-fueled, medium-range ballistic missile. This missile, which has a reported range of 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles), was reportedly launched towards Israel during the June 2025 conflict.

The latest iteration, known as Khorramshahr-4 or Kheibar, was introduced in 2023 and boasts advanced features including a Mach 8 speed, mid-course trajectory correction, and an advanced guidance system. Iranian officials claim the missile possesses radar-evading capabilities and terminal guidance, and it is capable of carrying a heavy warhead, with the Khorramshahr-4 reportedly carrying up to a 2-ton explosive payload. While footage of the Khorramshahr-4/Kheibar has been circulated online by Iranian media, it is understood that much of this footage originates from a 2023 test, with no explicit claims from Iran regarding its specific use in the recent conflict with Israel.

Strategic Implications and Deterrence

The unveiling of the new underground missile base and the showcasing of advanced missile technology underscore Iran's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities. Senior military commanders were briefed on the progress and preparedness of the strategic facility, which is considered a crucial pillar of Iran's military power and a significant factor in regional deterrence calculations. Major General Mousavi reiterated Iran's readiness to respond to any potential actions by adversaries, signaling a robust stance in the face of ongoing regional tensions.