Iran Deploys Sejjil Missile in Direct Conflict with Israel
In a significant escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has announced the launch of a Sejjil-2 long-range ballistic missile targeting Israel. This development, part of "Operation True Promise 3," represents the missile's first-known wartime deployment, indicating a transition from indirect proxy confrontations to direct state-level military engagements.
The missile launch occurred in response to Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear and energy facilities. By deploying the Sejjil, Iran has substantially elevated the conflict's stakes, potentially involving numerous regional and international players.
What is the Sejjil Missile?
The Sejjil is an Iranian-engineered, two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid fuel. It reportedly has a range of 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers, with unverified reports suggesting that some variants may reach up to 4,000 kilometers. Developed entirely in Iran, the missile's solid propellant enhances its launch speed and mobility compared to earlier liquid-fueled models.
Capable of carrying a warhead weighing up to 700 kilograms, the Sejjil is designed for both conventional and strategic payloads. The Sejjil-2 variant, first tested in 2008, features improved accuracy, survivability, and readiness for launch.
Military Significance
The deployment of the Sejjil signifies a crucial advancement in Iran's missile capabilities. Its solid-fuel design reduces the time needed for launch, narrowing the window for Israel’s early warning. The missile's reach extends to all of Israel and U.S. military installations throughout the Middle East.
Experts suggest that the Sejjil is engineered specifically to breach advanced air defense systems like Israel's Arrow and David's Sling. Its mobility and ability to execute saturation attacks render it more challenging to detect and intercept.
The Target and Aftermath
According to Iranian sources, the missile targeted Israeli intelligence and air force sites. On the other hand, Israel's military reported intercepting the missile in mid-air, with fragments causing minor damage to a civilian vehicle. Discrepancies exist in accounts of whether a hospital was impacted by the blast wave or targeted deliberately. The Israeli Defense Forces credited the Arrow-3 system with successfully neutralizing the threat.
Strategic Implications
The use of the Sejjil missile marks a pivotal moment in Iran's military strategy, highlighting Tehran's readiness to confront Israel directly with its most sophisticated weaponry. This adds to the strain on Israeli defenses, already coping with numerous attacks from Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
The United States, already on alert, has intensified its air defense deployments in the area and has not dismissed the possibility of a direct response if U.S. assets come under threat. Meanwhile, Gulf nations remain vigilant, concerned about possible regional spillover.
Israel’s Air Defense and Countermeasures
Israel's comprehensive missile defense system—which includes Iron Dome, Arrow-2/3, and David’s Sling—continues to operate, although intelligence reports indicate that persistent large-scale missile barrages could stretch these defenses thin. U.S. support is critical, with its surveillance and radar systems supplying real-time data to enhance interception efforts.
A Missile Years in the Making
The Sejjil missile program began with the testing of the Sejjil-1 in 2008, followed by the more advanced Sejjil-2 in 2009. Over the past two years, Iranian media and defense analysts have noted improvements in the missile's range and precision. Until this point, the missile had not been used in active conflict.
Global Reactions
The United Nations is set to convene an emergency Security Council session. The United States has condemned the attack, reaffirming its commitment to Israel's security. Russia and China have appealed for restraint, while the European Union has urged all parties involved to de-escalate the situation. The attack has also led to a sharp increase in oil prices amidst fears of regional instability.
What Comes Next?
Israel has indicated that it may launch a more extensive retaliation. The Israeli ambassador to the United States has warned that any ongoing attacks could provoke a response of "greater magnitude." The possibility of a multi-front war looms, with groups like Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and Yemeni Houthis capable of opening additional fronts against Israel.
Conclusion
The deployment of the Sejjil missile marks a perilous development in the Israel-Iran conflict. With both nations equipped with advanced missile technology and global powers involved in the region, the threat of an extensive war has escalated. As calls for moderation intensify, so does the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from reaching a critical point.
