WASHINGTON — A U.S. Army Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) allegedly struck a sports hall in Iran during overnight operations, according to three Pentagon officials speaking on condition of anonymity. The incident marks the first combat deployment of the next-generation missile system, which completed prototype testing just three months ago.
Satellite imagery reviewed by The New York Times shows structural damage to the Mashhad Sports Complex in northeastern Iran, though analysts disagree whether the pattern matches PrSM characteristics. ‘The circular impact crater suggests a different munition than what PrSMs typically leave,’ said weapons expert David Johnson of the Center for Strategic Studies.
The Pentagon declined to confirm operational details, citing ‘ongoing force protection requirements.’ However, a State Department official acknowledged ‘kinetic counterterrorism activities’ were conducted near the Iran-Afghanistan border that evening.
Iranian state media claims the strike killed seven civilians, including teenage athletes. The U.S. has not commented on casualties but emphasized the system’s ‘sub-10 meter accuracy’ in press materials released last week.
Military analysts note the incident raises questions about PrSM deployment logistics, as the weapon’s 499 km range would require launch from undisclosed forward positions in the Persian Gulf region.