Iran Conducts First Use of Electro-Optical Missiles in Attempted Attack on US Warships

Iran utilized its new electro-optical missiles for the first time in an attempted attack on US warships on September 9, 2026, according to officials. This action is part of Tehran’s retaliation campaign against American vessels in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a series of strikes targeting US forces in Jordan and ten US ships near the Strait of Hormuz. The attempted attack reportedly involved Iran’s electro-optical seekers, which use cameras and light sensors for precise targeting, as reported by The Telegraph. US Central Command confirmed the strikes but noted that both the attack on the ships and the one in Jordan were unsuccessful, with the Iranian missiles being intercepted. These strikes were a response to US retaliatory actions that had previously targeted five oil tankers near Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub. The IRGC stated, "In response to the US’s aggressive actions against Iranian oil tankers, armed forces, in accordance with their inherent right of legitimate defence, attacked US military bases and facilities located in Jordan, which continues to support US military attacks against Iran, as well as several US vessels." Iran had previously announced the development of the new missile system, named Qassem Bassir, which is a medium-range ballistic missile equipped with sensors designed to enhance precision and reduce vulnerability to jamming systems. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s newly appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, indicated that a new "special anti-destroyer" missile was introduced in the recent strike, marking a shift in Iran’s defense policy. It remains unclear if the Qassem Bassir was the missile used in the attack on US ships. The IRGC also issued warnings of potential strikes on oil tankers and military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, urging crews to evacuate immediately. The escalation of strikes and concurrent attacks on tankers in the region have raised concerns regarding safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for 20% of the world’s oil transport. These incidents, along with an attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi oil facilities, led to a rise in crude oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time since July.