Iran Unveils Enhanced Ballistic Missile Amid Ongoing Tensions with US

The Iranian government has revealed an improved ballistic missile, the Qassem Basir, which boasts greater range and accuracy than its predecessor. The announcement comes as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to state media, the Qassem Basir has a half-ton warhead and can travel at least 1,200 kilometers (745 miles). This is significantly longer than the original missile's range. The announcement was made by Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who claimed that the new missile had been 'tested' against a US warship.

The US has responded to the development by stating that the Strait of Hormuz is an open waterway and that it will not be controlled by any single state. The US Navy has also cleared the strait of mines, and tanker traffic to non-Iranian ports is expected to increase. However, a US blockade on Iranian ports continues in an effort to limit Iran's oil exports.