Iron Dome Cracked? Leaked Intel Exposes Iran's Devastating Missile Success

In the aftermath of the 12-day war between Iran and the Zionist regime, a new investigative report by Haaretz, one of Israel's most reputable media outlets, has exposed shocking details about Iran's missile attacks and the performance of Israeli defense systems. Contrary to official military claims that most missiles were successfully intercepted, the report cites at least ten unacknowledged strikes, referenced by American sources.

This revelation carries significant implications for public understanding of the effectiveness of Israel's defense systems, the intelligence and security gaps within its military structure, the staggering costs of its air defense operations, and the strategic credibility of Iran’s missile capabilities.


Doubts over Israel’s Missile Defense Success

The Zionist regime has long claimed that its defense systems—such as the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling—can neutralize over 90% of incoming missiles and drones. However, the report by Avi Scharf and Bar Peleg in Haaretz reveals that the Iron Dome failed in several instances, allowing Iranian missiles to strike strategic areas. Anonymous American sources confirmed at least ten successful missile impacts, which Israel has deliberately withheld from the public.

The report also indicates that several Iranian missiles—particularly high-precision models developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—penetrated Israel’s air defense. This not only enhances the strategic credibility of Iran’s missile arsenal but also exposes serious flaws in the Zionist regime’s missile defense systems.



Intelligence and Security Gaps in Israel’s Military Structure

The publication of this report by a well-established, independent Israeli media outlet like Haaretz has stirred internal political and public consequences. It suggests either deep-rooted miscoordination or a deliberate cover-up within the Israeli military's public communications.

In times of military conflict, transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust and societal stability. Concealing the truth about missile strikes could severely undermine the psychological security of the Zionist society in the long run. Citizens may feel deceived by their government and military, leading to a growing distrust. In an era of narrative warfare, where both sides seek to control the flow of information, contradictions between official statements and media investigations can deeply damage the credibility of national security institutions.


The Astronomical Cost of Missile Defense

One key point in the Haaretz report is the extraordinary cost of Israel’s missile defense during the 12-day war. Each interceptor missile launched by the Iron Dome costs about $40,000 to $100,000, while Iranian missiles are significantly cheaper. Estimates suggest that Israel spent over $2 billion on missile defense alone during this brief conflict.

This comes at a time when Israel’s economy is facing mounting challenges, and increasing military expenditures are placing additional strain on the regime’s budget. Some analysts warn that sustaining such financial burdens could lead to long-term fiscal instability.



Strategic Credibility of Iran’s Missile Power on the Rise

The revelations about the effectiveness of Iranian missile strikes—especially the precision-guided models developed by the IRGC—are likely to reshape global perceptions of Iran’s military capabilities. Previously, most narratives emphasized Israel’s successful defense against Iranian and allied missile threats. This report, however, shows that Iran not only produces high-precision missiles but can also deceive or bypass even the most advanced Israeli defense systems.
This new reality significantly boosts Iran’s strategic credibility and strengthens its position in regional and global calculations. The ability to inflict substantial damage and impose financial costs—even with a limited number of successful strikes—serves as a powerful deterrent. This is particularly important in the case of Iran’s precision-strike missiles, which can target key strategic assets with alarming accuracy.


Conclusion

The Haaretz report on Iranian missile strikes during the 12-day war is far more than just a headline—it is a significant intelligence leak that sheds light on the visible and hidden dimensions of Middle Eastern conflict. It not only raises questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s missile defense systems and highlights internal intelligence and security failures, but also paints a stark picture of the unsustainable costs of continued missile defense operations.

Most importantly, this exposé substantially enhances the strategic credibility of Iran’s missile arsenal, influencing both regional power dynamics and the broader war of narratives. Military analysts and decision-makers will need to revisit their strategies in light of these emerging realities. The vulnerability of the Iron Dome and the failure to conceal the full extent of damage may well alter the regional balance of power.

*Translated by Ashraf Hemmati from the original Persian article written by Mohammad Saleh Ghorbani