World War III? Iran Boasts Hypersonic Missile Testing As a Response to US Deploying Troops to Persian Gulf
Jose Nino
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According to various international sources, which includes Al Jazeera, Iran claims it has not only achieved hypersonic cruise missile technology, but is also testing out hypersonic missiles, in what would represent a historic accomplishment for the Islamic Republic if such allegations turn out to be true.
The missiles were reportedly going through tests and flight trials, which “will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the defense power of our country,” Iranian state media outlet Tasnim stated on August 9, 2023.
Tasnim additionally noted that the new hypersonic weapons could “significantly accelerate the Islamic Republic of Iran’s response time in case of any combat, and take away attacking forces’ opportunity for reaction.”
In early June, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attended a ceremony revealing the new Iranian-manufactured “Fattah” (which translates to: “Conqueror”) hypersonic missile in Tehran. Raisi praised the roll out of this missile at the time: “Today we feel that the deterrent power has been formed.” He continued, “This power is an anchor of lasting security and peace for the regional countries.”
The Iranians claimed that their new hypersonic missile has a range roughly 900 miles and it cannot be taken out by conventional anti-air defense systems. Iranian authorities stated that the missiles can also have maximum speeds of Mach 15.
Due to the Iranians already unveiling in early summer that they now have hypersonic missile technology in their possession, this latest announcement appears to be a reaction to specific geopolitical developments in the Persian Gulf region. Specifically, the US government’s decision to deploy 3,000 additional troops on two likely provoked this response on Iran’s part.
This hypersonics announcement comes at a time when the Defense Department moved to place US Marines on international tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with the aim of protecting them from Iranian piracy efforts.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly rejected the US military’s involvement in regional waters, claiming it only advances the US regime’s interests, and is really designed to block Iran’s ability to transport its crude exports, which are also subject to US sanctions.
Overall, Iran is responding like any other normal geopolitical actor would. It has spheres of influence where it will not tolerate any form of external interference. Unfortunately, American authorities fail to grasp this reality about geopolitics. And they have to learn the hard way as countries begin to assert themselves on the world stage in total defiance of the US.
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