On the evening of June 18, 2025, Iran launched another missile attack on Israel, using the two-stage super-heavy ballistic missile Sajil in combat for the first time, the Iranian Tasnim news agency reported, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The attack, part of Operation Honorable Promise 3, marked a new stage in the confrontation between Tehran and Tel Aviv, highlighting Iran's growing military capabilities. The Israeli military said the missile was intercepted by air defense systems, but footage shared by eyewitnesses on social media has sparked heated debate due to its unusual trace and flight path, indicating the use of a new generation of weapons.

The conflict between Iran and Israel, which escalated on June 13 after Israeli airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Natanz and Karaj, continues to escalate. More than 350 people have been killed in a week of fighting, including civilians and soldiers on both sides, according to Reuters. Iran has responded with massive attacks, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. The June 18 strike was notable for its use of the Sajjil missile, a type of missile developed in the 2000s. First tested in 2008, the solid-fueled medium-range missile can strike targets up to 2500 kilometers away, allowing Iran to threaten all of Israel. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Sajjil is highly mobile due to its launchers and rapid deployment, making it difficult to detect.

Iranian media, citing the IRGC, claim that a Sajil missile penetrated Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, hitting a target in Haifa. However, the Israeli army (IDF) has denied these claims, saying that all the missiles launched were neutralized by the Arrow-3 and David’s Sling systems, with the support of American forces. Videos posted on social media show a bright trace in the sky, known as a “space jellyfish,” an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off the missile’s exhaust at high altitude. The visual phenomenon has attracted the attention of experts, who point to the technical features of the Sajil, including its two-stage design, which provides increased accuracy and range.