01.03.2026 14:20
Iran made a notable move following the killing of its religious leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel attack. For the first time, Iran used Fattah-2 hypersonic missiles in attacks on US bases in the Middle East.
Iran has reached a new threshold in its military doctrine following the killing of its religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel attack. The Tehran administration used Fattah-2 hypersonic missiles for the first time in its retaliatory strikes against US bases in the Middle East.
In a statement made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, it was noted that the operation carried a "strategic deterrence message." The missile strikes targeted US military facilities in the Gulf region, and it was reported that the alert level was raised to the highest degree at some bases.
FEATURES OF FATTAH-2
Fattah-2 is considered one of the most advanced ballistic systems developed by Iran. The missile, which falls into the hypersonic category, can reach speeds of Mach 10 and above. This speed is equivalent to at least 10 times the speed of sound. It is said to have the capacity to overcome conventional air defense systems due to its high maneuverability.
The most striking feature of the missile is its ability to change direction within the atmosphere and update its trajectory in real-time as it approaches the target. This feature complicates radar tracking and interception attempts. Experts state that Fattah-2 can be launched in a short time thanks to its solid-fuel engine system and has a range of over 1,400 kilometers.
ALERT LEVEL RAISED IN THE REGION
The use of Fattah-2 indicates a new phase in regional security balances. The US Department of Defense strengthened air defense systems in the region following the attacks and activated Patriot and THAAD batteries. Sirens sounded in Gulf countries, and some airspaces were temporarily closed.
Iran announced that the attack was a direct response to Khamenei's killing. The Tehran administration declared that "strategic patience has come to an end." The Israeli and US sides stated that there would be a response to the attacks.
GEOPOLITICAL IMPACTS
The deployment of Fattah-2 in the field signifies the first activation of hypersonic weapons in an active conflict environment in the Middle East. Military analysts assess that this development could accelerate the regional arms race and lead to a restructuring of defense systems.
Energy markets also reacted sharply to the developments. Oil prices rose, and demand for safe havens increased in global markets. Maritime traffic around the Strait of Hormuz was closely monitored.
The use of hypersonic missiles by Iran is seen as a critical threshold that escalates the scale of the conflict. While military activity in the region continues, the international community has increased calls for a diplomatic solution.