In a major escalation, Iran has claimed it fired Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles at Israel, introducing one of the world’s most advanced weapons into the volatile Middle East conflict. The announcement has sparked global alarm, as hypersonic missiles - which travel at over five times the speed of sound and can maneuver mid-flight - are notoriously difficult to detect and intercept.

Iran's Fattah-1 missiles, unveiled last year, were hailed by Tehran as capable of bypassing even the most sophisticated missile defense systems. Their reported deployment signals a dangerous shift in the ongoing hostilities, raising fears of rapid and uncontrollable escalation in the region.

Israel has yet to confirm whether the attack caused any damage or casualties. However, military analysts warn that this could set a new precedent in modern warfare, as hypersonic technology blurs the line between conventional and strategic weapons.

The use of such advanced missiles is likely to prompt an urgent international response - and potentially trigger a dramatic shift in how future conflicts are fought.