-Friday World 🌎 March 16, 2026
→ War's Origin and New Turning Point This war began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran. Since then, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has carried out strikes up to the 54th wave under 'Operation True Promise-4'. During the night of March 15-16, the IRGC escalated the conflict by using the Sejjil missile. Iranian officials claim the missile struck near the American consular residence in central Tel Aviv, inflicting heavy damage on Israeli military bases and air defense systems.
→ True Power and Features of the Sejjil Missile The Sejjil is a two-stage, solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile. Its key specifications include:
→ Range: Approximately 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers (capable of targeting all of Israel and much of West Asia).
→ Speed: Mach 12 to 14 (near-hypersonic levels), making it incredibly fast and hard to intercept.
→ Fuel Technology: Solid-fuel propulsion allows launch in just minutes, striking before enemies can fully react or detect preparations.
→ Mid-Flight Maneuver: 'Dancing' capability – it changes direction abruptly in mid-air, evading advanced systems like Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow, and America's THAAD. → Payload: Can carry 700 to 1,500 kilograms of high-explosive, cluster, or other warheads.
→ Accuracy: Guided by GPS and advanced systems, it hits targets within 10-50 meters. Development began in the 1990s, with the first test in 2008.
→ Devastating Strikes in the 54th Wave Iran claims that, alongside Sejjil, waves of other missiles like Khorramshahr, Kheibar Shekan, Emad, and Qadr were also launched. These attacks targeted high-rise buildings in Tel Aviv, military bases, and air force stations. Smoke and fire plumes are visible across Israel. American and Israeli sources admit these barrages have placed immense pressure on their defense networks. While reports indicate Sejjil was used in the June 2025 12-day war, this time it is being promoted as a 'first-time' deployment to create psychological impact.
→ Global Impact and Future Concerns Following the attack, global markets reacted sharply, with oil prices surging due to heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Israel have threatened retaliation, while Iran vows not to back down.
Russia and China stand in support of Iran, whereas Western nations back Israel. This conflict has evolved beyond a regional dispute – it now threatens global security. Thousands of innocent lives are at risk, and how far this fire of destruction will spread remains uncertain.
Iran's Sejjil strike sends a clear message to the world: they still possess many surprise weapons and are fully prepared to fight. Now, the question is which direction this intense confrontation will take next, and when any ray of peace might emerge.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World 🌎 March 16, 2026
