Iran has recently announced the production of AI-powered missiles, which they claim can accurately hit targets and avoid obstacles. However, experts remain skeptical about whether these weapons can truly deliver on their promised capabilities. Lisa Daftari, Middle East expert, suggested that while the exact abilities of these missiles cannot be verified, it would be unwise for the White House to underestimate Tehran's ambitions to strengthen its military arsenal, expand its presence in the Persian Gulf, support regional terror proxies, and continue its nuclear weapons program. The defense ministry of Iran unveiled the new missile named Abu Mahdi, with Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani highlighting its AI-guided trajectory. Ashtiani confidently stated that the missile, once mass-produced, could be used to target enemy ships in the sea from hidden and remote locations within Iran, with the ability to destroy ships, frigates, and destroyers. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp Navy Rear-Admiral Alireza Tangsiri emphasized the improved strike range and accuracy of the missile, which would enhance coastal defense.

The missile's dual seeker and electronic warfare capabilities, combined with its radar evasion and low-altitude flying capacity of up to 620 miles, led Iranian commanders to boast that it would appear like a "ghost" to its targets. Daftari raised questions regarding Iran's ability to develop such capabilities despite facing stringent Western sanctions. She called for more targeted and strictly enforced sanctions to prevent enemy states from accessing advanced technologies. Matt McInnis, senior fellow for the Institute for the Study of War, acknowledged Iran's continuous efforts to enhance the range and accuracy of their cruise and ballistic missiles. He suggested that Iran's announcement of missile production might have been prompted by increased U. S. presence in the region, following Iranian seizures of oil tankers and ships. McInnis cautioned that verification of Iran's actual weapon development and performance could only be achieved through test-fired exercises or similar situations. He pointed out Iran's history of exaggerating claims about weapon capabilities and stressed the need to observe the weapons in action before making definitive assessments. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that if the weapon proved to be as powerful as claimed, it would signify a significant advancement in Iran's combat capabilities. Overall, despite Iran's announcements, experts remain cautious and doubt the full extent of the missile's capabilities until further evidence is presented.