In a chilling new escalation on day 70 of the 2026 US-Iran war, Iran has deployed its advanced “Haj Qasem” missiles — long feared as a weapon specifically designed to overwhelm and destroy Tel Aviv — and is now using them directly against American targets in the Gulf.
The Haj Qasem missile series, named after the late IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, features heavy warheads, high maneuverability, and advanced evasion capabilities. Iranian forces fired multiple rounds in a fresh barrage targeting U.S. positions in the region. At least two confirmed impacts were reported near key American installations supporting operations in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant explosions and damage to support infrastructure.
IRGC commanders boasted that the Haj Qasem missiles, originally developed as a strategic threat against Israel, have now been repurposed to strike U.S. military ᴀssets with “devastating precision.” Iranian state media released footage showing the launches, calling it “revenge for Soleimani and a warning to America.”
This dangerous development comes as Iran continues its aggressive campaign despite heavy losses. The U.S. maintains mᴀssive firepower in the region with two carrier strike groups (USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower), A-10 Warthogs conducting relentless ground attacks, and over 13,000 Marines on station.
U.S. Central Command reports the number of American troops injured across the theater has risen sharply, with the death toll still at 13 confirmed. President Donald Trump condemned the use of the Haj Qasem missiles, stating: “Iran is now firing weapons they built to destroy Israel directly at American forces. This is a very big mistake. They will regret it.”
Brent crude prices have surged past $147 per barrel as global markets react with alarm to the intensifying conflict and threats to energy security.
With Iran now turning its most feared strategic missiles against U.S. forces, the war has entered an even more lethal and unpredictable phase. The deployment of the Haj Qasem system signals that Tehran is prepared to use its most advanced arsenal in direct confrontation with America.
The situation is extremely volatile and developing rapidly.
