Iran Claims to Target Ben Gurion Airport with Superheavy Khorramshahr-4 Missiles
Iran escalates the war with a 19th wave of strikes, launching one-ton Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missiles at Ben Gurion Airport. Here's how the IDF responded to Tehran's claim of "piercing seven layers" of air defense as Operation Roaring Lion enters its sixth day.
The morning sky over central Israel was filled with the sound of interceptions as Iran intensified its long-range campaign. The IRGC issued a formal statement through the Tasnim news agency claiming that its heavy Khorramshahr-4 (also known as the Kheibar) missiles had successfully "penetrated seven layers of air defense" to reach their targets.
The statement specifically named Ben Gurion Airport and the 27th Squadron base of the Israeli Air Force as the primary objectives. However, defense analysts were quick to point out a likely error in the IRGC's intelligence, as Squadron 27 has not existed for years, and Airbase 27 was permanently closed in 2010.
The IDF Response: Interceptions and Impact
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that sirens were activated across 143 settlements in the Gush Dan region. While the IDF reported that the vast majority of the ballistic threats were neutralized by the multi-layered Arrow-3 and David's Sling systems, at least one missile launched during the morning barrage reportedly struck an open area in a central town.
Key Details of the Attack:
* The Payload: The Khorramshahr-4 is one of Iran’s heaviest warhead carriers, designed to deliver 1,000 to 1,500 kg of explosives over a range of 2,000 km.
* Claims of Success: Iranian state media claimed "effective hits" on the airport complex, though commercial traffic at Ben Gurion remains halted primarily due to ongoing safety protocols rather than confirmed direct runway hits.
* Widening Conflict: This missile wave coincided with reports of Iranian drone strikes on the Meron radar facility in northern Israel and maritime attacks in the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Implication
By targeting Israel’s primary international gateway with one-ton warheads, Tehran is attempting to enforce a total blockade of the country. This latest escalation follows the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28 and signals that the IRGC is prepared to use its most destructive non-conventional conventional weapons to sustain its counter-offensive.