Basir’s 1,200-KM Stalker Reshapes Gulf Naval Deterrence

Iran claims its Qasem Basir anti-ship ballistic missile—range ~1,200 km with a maneuverable warhead and an EO/IR seeker—hit U.S. ships, while CENTCOM says all missiles were stopped; the op-ed argues that verification is elusive and Tehran is using the weapon to sow doubt and push the Navy to adapt, signaling broader strategic aims beyond a single strike.