Without Israel, and with time to organize: how Iran managed to upgrade its missiles
Globes presents a daily review of global media coverage on Israel: how Iran's missiles became more lethal, the Pentagon's search for affordable weapons, and The Atlantic's analysis of Netanyahu's declining popularity in the US.
Against the backdrop of the evolving security situation, global media provides unique perspectives on events in Israel. We present a daily review of international press coverage to decipher how the situation looks from across the sea.
The articles presented are taken from major global newspapers and do not necessarily reflect the worldview of Globes.
1. Iran's missile array has become more resilient and lethal
A report by the Financial Times reveals how, despite American destruction targets, Tehran not only survived intense bombings but also learned operational lessons that allowed it to land precise blows across the Middle East.
Shortly after the US launched a joint attack with Israel against Iran in February, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the operation's goal was "to destroy Iran's offensive missiles and missile production." However, the report states, "five months later and after hundreds of American strikes, Iran has managed to maintain the effectiveness and resilience of its missile force."
Jim Lamson, a former CIA military analyst, argues that recent lethal attacks in Jordan indicate that Iran is succeeding in penetrating defense systems. "It seems that in Jordan they managed to achieve higher penetration of missile defense systems and greater accuracy," notes Lamson. He warns: "If you are an American planner, you must assume that Iran is making tactical and technical adjustments based on lessons learned from previous confrontations."
Experts attribute this to the fragile ceasefire that began in April. This lull, along with the limitations of the less intense American campaign in recent weeks, gave Iranian teams breathing room to operate systematically. Israel's absence from the latest round of fighting also lowered the pressure. "It's easier to shoot when they aren't shooting at you," explains Nicole Grajewski of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). "They are not required to smuggle launchers, so it is a much more comfortable operational environment."
Analysts note that Iran is using more modern missile stocks and receiving navigation and intelligence support from countries like Russia.
2. The Pentagon accelerates the search for cheap weapons
Defense News reports that the Pentagon is demanding cheaper and more effective weapons for long-range strikes, accelerating the testing and development process to just three months.
Against the backdrop of depleting stocks of high-end guided munitions, the US Department of Defense is promoting the GBAM (Ground-Based Affordable Mass) project—cheap ground-based weapons produced at scale for less than $250,000 per unit. The Pentagon demands that the ammunition be ready for demonstration within three months and full-scale production within 18 months.
The Department of Defense's Innovation Unit (DIU) has created the "GBAM Challenge." Winners will receive a $250,000 cash prize and potential contracts of up to $5 million for operational testing.
3. "How Netanyahu lost America"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington has highlighted the diplomatic crisis with the US. The Atlantic published a scathing analysis arguing that Netanyahu, who positioned himself as the "supreme expert on American politics," has led to the erosion of traditional support for Israel.
The author argues that Netanyahu "sacrificed Israel's international status for his political survival" and "refused to take steps that could have led to a historic breakthrough like normalization with Saudi Arabia." The Atlantic concludes: "Netanyahu's legacy is the isolation of Israel. Perhaps it was unavoidable, but his failure is that he never tried to prevent this fate."
Meanwhile, The New York Times analyzes Netanyahu's meeting with President Donald Trump. The newspaper reports that the two leaders' interests are drifting apart: Trump wants to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and distance Israel from direct involvement to avoid being perceived as dragged into an unpopular war.
