Iran Unveils the Underground Missile Base That Could Change the Middle East
In a bold show of military strength, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently unveiled a new underground base designed to house advanced cruise missiles aimed at bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities. The facility, located along Iran’s southern coastline, is specifically intended to target naval destroyers in strategically important waters, marking a significant escalation in the region’s military dynamics.


The announcement came on "Islamic Revolution Guards Day," an occasion celebrated with a display of Iran's growing military might. Top Iranian military officials, including Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami, visited the newly constructed base to inspect the facility and its capabilities. According to Iranian reports, this missile city is the third such base revealed by the IRGC in less than a month, signaling a concerted effort to showcase Iran's advanced defense systems.
The underground nature of these bases, according to Iranian officials, provides a strategic advantage by offering protection from potential strikes by adversaries such as the United States, Israel, and regional Gulf nations. The missiles stored within the new facility are reportedly capable of countering electronic warfare and can be quickly deployed, enhancing Iran’s readiness in the event of conflict.
The recent unveiling of this base is part of a broader pattern by Iran to demonstrate its military preparedness and deter potential threats. Just weeks earlier, on January 18, the IRGC showcased another underground missile base located in the Persian Gulf. This follows the January 10 unveiling of a similar facility by Iran’s Aerospace Force, further emphasizing the country’s commitment to bolstering its missile defense capabilities.
These military advancements are part of Iran’s strategy to maintain a robust deterrent against Israel and the U.S., particularly as tensions rise over its nuclear ambitions. In 2024, Iran escalated the situation by launching large-scale attacks on Israel using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, exacerbating concerns across the region.
While Iran continues its military buildup, it has also expressed an interest in re-engaging in potential negotiations with the U.S. This dual approach—bolstering military strength while signaling a willingness to negotiate—reflects Iran’s complex strategy of leveraging its military power while navigating international diplomatic channels.
In addition to the missile base, the IRGC’s celebrations also included the unveiling of a domestically produced large gas turbine, which Iranian state media touted as a major technological achievement. The turbine, which is positioned as a rival to those produced by multinational corporations like General Electric and Siemens, underscores Iran's efforts to showcase its growing technological capabilities alongside its military advancements.