Iran Fires Solid-Fuel Sejjil 'Dancing Missile' at US, Israel
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- Iran launched Sejjil ballistic missiles against the US and Israel for the first time on Sunday, deploying them in what state media called 'Wave 54' of operations targeting command centers and strategic military infrastructure.
- The Sejjil is a solid-fuel, two-stage medium-range ballistic missile with an estimated range of ~2,000 km and 700 kg payload, distinct from Iran's earlier liquid-fueled Shahab series.
- Solid-propellant technology lets the missile be stored fully fueled for rapid launch, and it can manoeuvre at high altitude to evade systems like Israel's Iron Dome — earning it the 'dancing missile' nickname.
- Tel Aviv sirens sounded in 140+ locations on March 15, and missile fragments reportedly damaged residential areas and a US consulate residence.
- Iran is reportedly testing a Sejjil-3 with an extended range of up to 4,000 km; the variant currently in use is the Sejjil-2 with integrated GPS and inertial guidance.
- Experts quoted in the piece suggest the first combat use of the Sejjil may signal 'desperation' on Iran's part rather than strength.
- Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new Supreme Leader after the US and Israel killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in strikes on Tehran on the conflict's first day; he has not appeared publicly and is reportedly grievously injured.
Why it matters: The Sejjil's solid-fuel design and ~2,000 km range let Iran pre-position missiles for rapid, hard-to-detect launches — a tactical shift from the older liquid-fueled Shahab series. With 140+ sirens in Tel Aviv and damage to a US consulate residence, first combat use marks Iran's escalation from tested deterrent to active battlefield weapon, though analysts cited in the piece read it as strain, not strength.
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