US Strike on Iran Led by Tomahawk Missiles: Why Presidents Choose This Weapon First

The Tomahawk missile has once again taken center stage in U.S. military operations as the primary weapon deployed against Iranian targets in Saturday’s pre-dawn strike. This long-range cruise missile, launched from Navy ships and submarines, has become a cornerstone of America’s precision strike capabilities.

Measuring about half the length of a standard telephone pole, the Tomahawk travels at speeds comparable to commercial airliners while carrying a 1,000-pound warhead. Its range is impressive – capable of striking targets roughly the distance from Washington, D.C., to Miami, allowing for attacks from safe distances without risking American personnel.

This strategic flexibility has made the Tomahawk a preferred option for limited military actions across multiple presidential administrations. Defense officials note that the missile’s combination of precision, range, and reliability makes it particularly valuable when the White House seeks to send a clear message while avoiding broader military escalation.

“Year in and year out, administration in and administration out, it’s the long-range land attack cruise missile that presidents reach for first in a crisis,” explained Thomas Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Tomahawk’s history as a combat weapon dates back to the 1991 Gulf War. Since then, it has been deployed in numerous conflicts, with presidents from both political parties utilizing it for initial strikes in Iraq during the 1990s and in more recent operations in Syria. Saturday’s operation marks just the latest chapter in the missile’s extensive combat record, which now exceeds 2,350 deployments.

Manufactured by defense contractor Raytheon (now RTX), each Tomahawk costs approximately $1.4 million. The missile can be launched from over 140 U.S. Navy vessels and has an operational range of 800 to 1,553 miles, providing commanders with significant tactical flexibility.

However, this consistent reliance on Tomahawk missiles has created challenges for the military’s inventory. “We’ve been using them far more frequently than we’ve been producing them,” Karako noted, highlighting a potential vulnerability in the supply chain that supports this critical weapons system.

Prior to the current operation, Tomahawks were reportedly used in June 2025 during American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, underscoring their continued importance in U.S. military planning for regional contingencies.

The latest strike comes amid a substantial American military buildup in the Persian Gulf region. The deployment includes two aircraft carrier strike groups – the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford – each supported by guided-missile destroyers and cruisers capable of sustained air and missile operations. More than a dozen additional U.S. warships are also operating in the area in support roles, according to defense officials.

This military presence coincides with ongoing indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s disputed nuclear program. The Trump administration has warned that Iran must fully dismantle its nuclear infrastructure or face consequences, using this display of military power to reinforce diplomatic pressure.

The strategic positioning of these naval assets represents a calculated approach to projecting American power in Iran’s vicinity while maintaining multiple options for military action if required. The deployment effectively creates a robust platform from which Tomahawk missiles and other weapons systems can be launched with minimal warning.

Tehran’s potential response remains unclear, though Iranian leaders have previously threatened retaliation against direct U.S. military action. The situation continues to evolve as regional tensions remain high following the strikes.

The Tomahawk’s enduring prominence in American military operations reflects both its technical capabilities and strategic utility. As conflicts in the Middle East persist, this decades-old weapons system continues to provide presidents with a reliable means of projecting power while managing escalation risks in one of the world’s most volatile regions.