Iran launches missile strikes in Iraq and Syria

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missile strikes in Iraq and Syria, targeting what they claimed were Israeli "espionage centers" and "anti-Iranian terrorist groups." The attacks, which occurred in Erbil, northern Iraq, and Syria, resulted in casualties and have been condemned by the United States and Iraq. 

The IRGC stated that the strikes were in response to recent attacks in Iran and were aimed at countering terrorism and defending Iran's security. The United States has characterized the attacks as "reckless" and "imprecise," and has condemned them as undermining Iraq's stability. The situation has further escalated regional tensions, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East

what is the response of other countries to Iran's missile strikes?

The tensions between Iran and Israel have significantly affected the Middle East region, leading to a more volatile and unstable environment. The ongoing proxy conflict, also known as the Iran-Israel proxy war, has resulted in direct and indirect confrontations between the two countries and their respective allies. This has contributed to escalating conflicts in various areas, such as Syria, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. The involvement of other regional players and the interference of Western powers have further intensified the situation, raising concerns about the potential for broader regional escalation and instability

what is the current state of relations between Iran and Israel?

The current state of relations between Iran and Israel can be described as hostile and tense. The two countries have been embroiled in a low-level war for more than a decade, with Iran and Israel often described as archenemies

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. The tensions between the two nations have been driven by a combination of factors, including ideological differences, the Palestinian issue, and regional power struggles

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.Key points in the current state of relations include:

• Ideological differences: Iran's Islamist regime considers Israel an illegitimate state that has usurped Muslim/Arab lands and driven the Palestinians from their homeland
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  . Israel, on the other hand, has consistently pushed back against any Iran-linked groups that have regularly attacked US bases in Iraq and Syria
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• Palestinian issue: The Palestinian issue has been at the center of the hostilities for decades, with Iran warning Israel and its closest ally, the United States, that the war with Hamas could spread
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• Regional power struggles: Iran and Israel are both aspiring to regional hegemony, but none of them is likely to achieve it
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Despite the ongoing tensions, there have been some attempts to improve relations between the two countries. For example, Iran has tried to balance burgeoning Arab-Israel relations by starting its own dialogue with Israel

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. Additionally, an improvement in Iran's relations with the West could potentially induce Iran to reconsider its hostility towards Israel, especially if accompanied by the re-emergence of more moderate trends in Iran

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. However, a positive outcome to the current Israeli-Iranian hostility is unlikely soon

What are the names of Iran's missiles?

Iran possesses a diverse missile arsenal, including ballistic and cruise missiles. Some of the key missile names in Iran's arsenal are:

• Shahab-1 (Scud B): A short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of up to 300 km and a payload of 770-1,000 kg. It is propelled by liquid fuel and has a single-stage engine
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• Shahab-2 (Scud C): A short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of approximately 500 km
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• Shahab-3: A medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with a range of 1,300 km. It is operational and has been used in various military operations
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• Soumar: A cruise missile with a range of 2,000 - 3,000 km. It is presumed to be operational
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• Ya-Ali: A land-attack cruise missile with a range of 700 km. It is operational
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These are just a few examples of the missiles in Iran's arsenal, which also includes other types such as the Qiam, Zolfaghar, and various cruise missiles

Who gave missiles to Iran? Iran's missile arsenal is primarily composed of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs)

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. The origins of Iran's missile program can be traced back to the 1980s when Iran began developing its own missile technology. Some of the key events that led to the development of Iran's missile program include:

1. Acquisition of Scud missiles: Iran acquired Scud missiles from North Korea in the 1990s, which served as the basis for its Shahab series of missiles
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2. Development of Shahab series: Iran developed the Shahab series of missiles, which includes the Shahab-1, Shahab-2, and Shahab-3. These missiles have been used in various military operations and conflicts
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3. Transfer of missiles to proxies: Iran has transferred missiles to its regional proxies, such as Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have used them to strike civilian targets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
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4. Alleged consideration of selling missiles to Russia: Iran has allegedly considered selling missiles to Russia, further expanding its influence in the region
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Iran's missile program has been a source of concern for the international community, as it has the potential to destabilize the region and escalate tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Israel

What is Iran's new weapon? Iran has been actively developing and acquiring new weapons, including missiles, to enhance its military capabilities. Some of the recent additions to Iran's missile arsenal include:

• Talaeiyeh Cruise Missile: The Iranian navy has received the Talaeiyeh cruise missile, which has a range of over 1,000 km and is described as a smart missile that can change its course. This addition to Iran's naval arsenal was reported in December 2023
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• Hypersonic Missiles: Iran has unveiled upgraded hypersonic missiles, such as the Fattah II, equipped with hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) technology. These missiles are designed to travel at extremely high speeds and offer enhanced maneuverability
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These developments reflect Iran's ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities, including its missile systems, which have been a subject of concern for regional security and stability.