Iran’s Aerospace Force stands fully prepared for any potential confrontation with Israel, declared Brigadier-General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, a top commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Iranian state-run Mehr News Agency.
Hajizadeh, who leads the IRGC’s Aerospace Division, highlighted Iran’s capability, stating, “The largest ballistic missile operation in history was executed by the Islamic Republic, proving our strength in defending our nation.”
The general justified previous missile attacks on Israel in April and October, arguing they were a direct response to what he described as Israel’s misjudgment that Iran would avoid direct engagement to prevent war. “We anticipated minor skirmishes but were not initially preparing for an all-out confrontation. However, if the enemy acts, we will respond accordingly,” he asserted.
Referring to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, known as “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” Hajizadeh suggested that Israel’s response to the assault revealed its vulnerabilities. “Israel attempted to project an image of invincibility, yet it failed to prevent the Al-Aqsa Flood operation and has been unable to negotiate a ceasefire,” he remarked.
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Hajizadeh further claimed that the conflict had significantly raised global awareness of the Palestinian cause, dealing what he termed a severe and irreversible blow to Israel’s standing.
During the October strikes, Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles toward Israel, triggering 1,800 rocket sirens across the country. The attacks resulted in a single confirmed casualty—a Palestinian worker in the West Bank city of Jericho. Iran’s earlier April offensive had left a seven-year-old Bedouin girl near Arad critically injured.
Commenting on Israel’s missile defense systems, Hajizadeh alleged that panic ensued among Israeli forces during Iran’s missile launches. “Their response was chaotic—some of their defense missiles even collided with each other, indicating a major flaw in their air defense,” he claimed. According to him, 75% of Iran’s missiles successfully struck their intended targets.
Advancements in Iran’s Military Capabilities
Hajizadeh also emphasized Iran’s ongoing progress in missile and drone technology, despite external pressures. “The IRGC’s Aerospace Force continues to expand its production capabilities, including the development of missiles with a 2,000-km range and a new anti-ballistic missile defense system,” he stated, adding that the latter project, initiated in 2022, is expected to be operational next year.
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Mehr News further reported remarks from IRGC Deputy Commander Brigadier-General Ali Fadavi, who hinted at future military actions. He indicated that Iran’s next strike, referred to as “Operation True Promise 3,” would be executed at a strategically appropriate moment.
Echoing Fadavi’s stance, Hajizadeh dismissed Western and Israeli threats as largely psychological warfare. “The Americans and Zionists are primarily seeking leverage rather than preparing for real military action,” he concluded.