The New York Times warned that if Israel attacks Iran again, Tehran's response will be significantly harsher than previous ones. According to the newspaper, Iranian missile factories are working around the clock, preparing to simultaneously launch 2,000 medium-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) to disable Israeli air defense systems.

Iran reportedly plans to deploy both proven models such as the Shahab-2/3 and Sejil-2, as well as the latest developments, the Khorramshahr-4 and Emad. The Khorramshahr-4, a modernized version with a range of up to 3000 km, is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, while the Emad boasts high precision thanks to its controlled release. A source in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the massive strike is designed to suppress the Iron Dome and other systems, including the American Patriots deployed in the region.

The warning stems from the recent 12-day war in June 2025, when Israel attacked Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran responded with 550 missiles and 1000 drones. The US intercepted some of the missiles, but the damage was significant. Tehran ramped up production after UN restrictions expired in 2023, increasing its stockpile to 3000 missiles, according to CSIS estimates.