Concerns have emerged that Iran may have deployed missiles using maneuverable reentry vehicle (MARV) technology in attacks on US military bases in the Middle East. This approach can strike targets while evading US air defense systems, raising the possibility that Iran's missile precision-strike capabilities may have advanced further than previously known.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing multiple US officials, reported on the 18th that "Iran is firing a type of missile that can change course even during ultra-high-speed flight in order to counter US defense networks."
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US security think tank, analyzed that "since experiencing Israel's airstrikes in 2024, Iranian leadership has focused on maneuverable reentry vehicle technology to raise missile accuracy," adding that "the missile mentioned by the WSJ may not be unrelated to this." When this technology is applied, fins attached around the missile's body can be used to sharply alter its trajectory in the stage just before impact, disrupting defense systems and neutralizing interception networks.
According to ISW, Iran claimed last May to have developed the "Qassem Basir" missile, which added maneuverable reentry capability by improving the existing Haj Qassem missile. Accordingly, ISW is leaving open the possibility that this improved missile was used in Iran's recent attacks on US military bases. However, it has not yet been confirmed that the Qassem Basir was actually fired. Media outlets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) released footage of Haj Qassem missiles being fired toward US military bases in places such as Jordan, but there were no images showing the improved Qassem Basir.
ISW also raised the possibility that China and Russia are supporting Iran's attacks on US military bases behind the scenes. The Financial Times (FT) reported in April that Iran had bombed US military bases in the Middle East using a Chinese-made reconnaissance satellite, and the Washington Post (WP) reported in March that Russia had passed information on the location of US assets to Iran. The WSJ likewise conveyed that concerns are growing over whether China or Russia is providing support for the improvement in Iran's missile capabilities.
Iran carried out four attacks targeting US forces stationed in Jordan over five days through the 17th, killing two US service members and wounding dozens in the process. This is the first time US service members have been killed by a direct attack from Iranian forces since the outbreak of this Iran war.
