Executive Summary
Iran has revealed the Rastakhiz missile, which integrates nuclear and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) strike capabilities, increasing its capacity to neutralise enemy infrastructure.
These developments followed the June 2025 conflict with Israel, in which Iran suffered significant military losses but preserved most of its missile capacity.
This report analyses Tehran’s recent upgrades in its military and air defence network, especially after unveiling the Rastakhiz missile, signalling readiness to deter or respond to future hostilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Rastakhiz missile adds EMP capability to Iran’s arsenal, increasing its potential to disrupt enemy infrastructure.
- Although the June war resulted in numerous casualties, Iran maintained a large missile stockpile.
- Tehran has modernised its air defences and reinforced its public stance on military resilience.
Background Information
The Rastakhiz missile is a 14-metre, 27-tonne system with dual warheads: one designed for a tactical nuclear strike and another for generating an EMP capable of disabling power grids, communications, and air defence systems within an 80 km² radius. As local and international sources reported, this development underscores Iran’s integration of infrastructure-disabling capabilities into its strategic arsenal.
In the June 2025 war, Israel’s surprise offensive focused on military and nuclear locations, causing the deaths of high-ranking officers and hundreds of non-combatants. The conflict ended following US strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, and a ceasefire was arranged on June 24, 2025.
According to Iranian sources, their missile stockpile did not suffer heavy lost and some of the most powerful systems remained in reserve. Tehran has since modernised its air defence system and stopped working with the IAEA, saying that future cooperation depends on revised terms.
Geopolitical Scenario
Iran has been rapidly restoring its defence and missile capabilities since the June conflict with Israel. According to Iranian sources, Tehran rebuilt and modernised air defence systems damaged during the war, and their missile stockpile remains intact, with some of the most destructive systems never deployed in combat. By renewing and modernising its missile and defence systems, the Islamic Republic has reinforced its deterrence capabilities, clarifying that the country is still capable and willing to respond forcefully to future conflicts.
Although Israel maintains strong capabilities, according to Iranian sources, Tel Aviv seems to face several constraints on launching a similar large surprise attack quickly, because of the extensive intelligence required as seen in the June operation.
Nevertheless, the regional geopolitical risk remains high. The ongoing strategic rivalry between Israel and Iran, intensified by Tehran’s improved missile technology like the Rastakhiz, and its increasingly firm nuclear position, maintains the risk of further military conflict.
Escalation could quickly involve US assets and regional countries because of the Islamic Republic’s strategic arsenal and the Middle East’s interconnected security landscape. Indeed, on August 12, 2025, during the meeting between the Iranian Chief of General Staff Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousav and the South African National Defense Force Commander General Rudzani Maphwanya, the Iranian commander stated that the Iranian Armed Forces are prepared to deliver a more decisive response in the event of renewed aggression.
Indicators to Monitor
- Further testing or operational deployment of the Rastakhiz missile.
- Integration of EMP-capable systems into active missile forces.
- Shifts in IAEA inspection protocols following the suspension of cooperation.
- Israeli or US adjustments in force posture in the region.
- Procurement and field deployment of additional Iranian air defence assets.
Conclusion
The Rastakhiz missile confirms Tehran’s military strategy for countering external threats from Israel, regional powers, or international entities. Indeed, Iran’s military strategy after the June war includes advanced missile capabilities and improved air defences to deter attacks and minimise vulnerability.
Integrating EMP warheads represents a significant escalation in potential operational effects against adversary infrastructure. Continued observation of missile deployment, air defence expansion, and nuclear policy conditions will be essential in assessing Tehran’s future strategic options.
