Iran has once again made headlines by unveiling its third underground missile complex, dubbed “Missile City.” This vast subterranean facility houses an array of ballistic and cruise missiles, reinforcing Iran’s military capabilities and strategic deterrence.
While Iranian officials portray this as a show of strength, military analysts argue that the display might have inadvertently exposed a critical weakness that could be exploited by adversaries such as the United States and Israel.
A Labyrinth of Power and Provocation
Deep beneath Iranian soil, this newly revealed underground missile city is an extensive network of tunnels packed with a formidable arsenal. The footage released by Iranian state media showcased Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, inspecting the facility.
Lining the cavernous halls were rows of some of Iran’s most advanced missiles, including the Kheibar Shekan (900-mile range), Haj Qassem (850 miles), Ghadr-H (1,240 miles), Sejjil (1,550 miles), and Emad (1,050 miles), alongside the Paveh Land Attack Cruise Missile.
The display was not merely an exhibition of Iran’s military capabilities but a calculated message to its adversaries. The presence of these high-powered weapons underscores Iran’s readiness to defend itself against external threats.
However, the lack of blast doors or fortified barriers in the storage layout has raised concerns. Military experts warn that an attack on these underground stockpiles could set off a catastrophic chain reaction, effectively neutralizing a significant portion of Iran’s missile force in a single strike.
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Iranian leaders, on the other hand, view the unveiling as a demonstration of strength. General Bagheri was seen stepping on an Israeli flag painted onto the floor of the facility, a symbolic act of defiance.
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) March 25, 2025
BREAKING
Iran has unveiled perhaps its largest missile city ever that can destroy all US assets in the region
The new underground missile base houses thousands of precision-guided missiles such as Kheibar Shekan, Haj Qasem, Ghadr-H, Sejjil, Emad and others pic.twitter.com/QYR24ZN7TS
“Iran’s iron fist is far stronger than before—ten times stronger than True Promise I,” he declared. His statement referenced Operation True Promise, a missile assault on Israel carried out in April last year. By drawing comparisons to past conflicts, Iran aims to reinforce its growing military stature while sending a stark warning to its adversaries.
Trump’s Ultimatum and the Shadow of War
The unveiling of this underground missile city comes at a particularly tense moment in global politics. Just days prior, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum, demanding that Iran agree to a new nuclear deal within two months or face severe repercussions. Washington’s message was clear: non-compliance would invite harsher sanctions and potentially military action.
In response, Tehran has remained resolute. Iranian leaders argue that their nuclear and missile programs are non-negotiable, branding them essential to national security. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump’s demands outright, referring to the U.S. as a “bully” attempting to dictate Iran’s sovereign policies.
The U.S. has already intensified its pressure on Iran, launching targeted airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, who have been accused of attacking U.S. interests. Tehran, however, denies any direct involvement, claiming that the Houthis act independently.
The geopolitical tensions have escalated further with the deployment of two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups to the region. The show of force serves as a direct challenge to Iran, indicating that Washington is prepared to escalate its military presence should Tehran refuse to comply with its demands. This brinkmanship raises concerns about the possibility of open conflict in the near future.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has hinted that while indirect negotiations with Washington may be possible, direct talks remain off the table unless U.S. policy shifts significantly. “The way is open for indirect negotiations,” he stated, but emphasized that Iran would not engage under Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy.
The Risks of an Underground Arsenal
Iran’s underground missile complexes are not a recent development. In 2020, the country revealed footage of a secret ballistic missile site featuring underground rail tunnels designed for rapid deployment.
Three years later, another facility was unveiled, specifically designed to shield combat aircraft. The trend is clear—Iran is rapidly expanding its subterranean military infrastructure to protect its key assets from aerial strikes.
However, while these underground bunkers offer a layer of defense, they also present vulnerabilities. Analysts argue that housing such large quantities of missiles in vast, open tunnels without adequate containment measures is a strategic miscalculation. A well-placed airstrike could trigger a domino effect, leading to massive destruction within the complex.
Additionally, by showcasing the missile city’s interior, Iran may have inadvertently provided its adversaries with valuable intelligence. High-resolution footage of the facility’s layout, storage methods, and missile types can assist military planners in identifying weak points. The lack of reinforced containment areas and the proximity of missile stockpiles to one another could be exploited in the event of an attack.
Furthermore, the reliance on underground facilities suggests a shift in Iran’s strategic approach. Rather than dispersing its missile assets across multiple above-ground locations, Tehran is concentrating them in a few fortified but detectable sites.
This move could backfire if enemy forces manage to locate and target these underground cities with precision-guided munitions. Despite these risks, Iran continues to expand its missile capabilities.
The unveiling of this third missile city sends a clear message to the U.S. and Israel: Iran is prepared for confrontation and is willing to bolster its military infrastructure despite international pressure. The question remains, however, whether these underground stockpiles will serve as a deterrent or a liability in future conflicts.
As the geopolitical standoff intensifies, the world watches closely. With Iran’s military posturing and the U.S. demonstrating its willingness to respond with force, the risk of escalation looms larger than ever. For now, the missile cities remain a potent symbol of Iran’s defiance, but how long before this fragile balance is tipped into full-scale conflict?