western Iran
Western Iran is a strategic military and logistical region that serves as the primary launchpad for the Islamic Republic's long-range ballistic missile operations against Israel. Home to critical IRGC Aerospace Force bases and underground missile silos, the region has become a focal point of direct kinetic exchange between Jerusalem and Tehran in 2026.
Western Iran, encompassing provinces such as Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Lorestan, represents the strategic depth of the Iranian regime's offensive capabilities against the State of Israel. Due to its geographical proximity to the western borders—reducing the flight time of projectiles toward Israeli territory—the region has been heavily fortified by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It houses a sophisticated network of underground 'missile cities' and hardened launch sites designed to survive preemptive strikes while maintaining the ability to launch rapid, large-scale salvos. In June 2026, the region transitioned from a logistical rear-base into an active combat zone. Following a massive Iranian barrage that targeted Israeli infrastructure, including the Ramat David Airbase, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of retaliatory strikes. These operations, guided by Military Intelligence (Aman), targeted nearly 20 strategic sites across central and western Iran, including drone manufacturing plants, air defense systems, and missile launch infrastructure. The use of advanced solid-fuel missiles like the 'Kheibarshekan' from bases in this region underscores its role in Iran's shift from proxy warfare to direct military confrontation. Beyond its role as a launch site, Western Iran serves as a critical logistical hub for the IRGC, facilitating the transfer of advanced weaponry to proxies in Iraq and Syria. Recent intelligence indicates that despite Israeli strikes, the regime continues efforts to rehabilitate damaged missile tunnel entrances, signaling a commitment to maintaining this region as a primary offensive front.