Iranian lawmaker claims missile capability could overwhelm US air defences

An Iranian lawmaker has claimed that the Islamic Republic possesses missiles capable of splitting into multiple warheads, a development he said could challenge advanced U.S. missile defence systems.

Hosseinali Hajideligani, deputy head of Iran’s parliament Article 90 committee, said on May 5 that the missiles could disperse into up to 80 separate explosive elements or warheads, Iran International reports.

He argued that firing 10 such missiles simultaneously would effectively create the equivalent of 800 separate munitions, stating: “what THAAD, what Patriot can hit these?”

The comments come amid escalating tensions in the region, including a U.S.-led military initiative in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at restoring shipping routes disrupted during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Washington has described the operation as part of efforts to secure global energy supplies after disruptions in the strait.

By Sabina Mammadli