Iran Unveils Advanced Missile Arsenal to Deter Future Attacks

On August 22, a significant event marked the National Defense Industry Day in Iran, highlighting the country’s self-sufficiency and advancements in defense technology. A group of foreign military attachés gathered in Tehran to meet with Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, the Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. This meeting served not only as a commemoration of the martyrs from the 12-day war imposed by Israel on Iran but also as an opportunity to showcase Iran’s defense capabilities and strategic objectives.

During the meeting, Brigadier General Nasirzadeh emphasized the importance of National Defense Industry Day, stating that it represents an indigenous industry built on self-sufficiency, perseverance, and the principles of Islamic-Iranian teachings. Under the guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, this defense industry has become a cornerstone of Iran’s national security and power.

The Minister elaborated on the historical context of the 12-day war, explaining that from the onset, the Zionist regime received substantial political, intelligence, and military support from the United States. He highlighted that the U.S. played a direct role during the conflict, contributing to the offensive operations against Iran. Nasirzadeh stated, “We are fully aware that, in addition to the U.S., some Western and regional countries were actively involved in the Zionist regime’s interception and defense operations, while we, due to unlawful U.S. sanctions, were relying solely on our domestic capabilities.”

He further noted the timing of the conflict, mentioning that while negotiations were ongoing with the U.S., the Zionist regime launched an aerial and missile assault on June 13. This attack was characterized by military and terrorist operations that targeted senior military officials and scientists, leading to significant casualties.

Brigadier General Nasirzadeh remarked that the Zionist regime mistakenly believed that the sudden attack would dismantle Iran’s military structure. However, he stated that Iran’s response was swift and decisive, demonstrating the nation’s resilience. “Considering the particular conditions of both sides and the geographical distance, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to its efforts to defend against the massive waves of enemy aircraft and missiles, designed and executed its retaliatory strikes in two sections: missile and drone, and in a combined form,” he explained.

In detailing Iran’s military response, the defense minister indicated that the effectiveness of their missile operations increased significantly over time. “While at the beginning of the war about 60% of our fired missiles passed through the defense layers of the Zionist regime and its supporters, this figure rose progressively in the final hours of the war, reaching up to 90% of the missiles hitting their intended targets,” he stated.

Notably, he highlighted that Iran utilized advanced missiles such as Fattah, Sejjil, and Kheibar Shekan, which shifted the battlefield dynamics in favor of Iran. The targeted operations resulted in nearly 150 designated targets being successfully struck, contrasting sharply with the indiscriminate attacks carried out by the Zionist regime.

• Targeting Strategy: Iran focused on military installations, including air bases and intelligence centers, rather than civilian infrastructure.
• Casualty Figures: The Iranian defense minister noted that even the casualty figures released by the Zionist regime indicated significant damage to military targets.
• International Support: Nasirzadeh emphasized that the conflict was not solely between Iran and the Zionist regime but involved support from the U.S. and certain European nations.

He remarked on the U.S. violation of international norms by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, which were under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This act was seen as a clear infringement on Iran’s national sovereignty, with Nasirzadeh criticizing international organizations for their lack of response to such aggression.

As the conflict unfolded, the Iranian leadership displayed restraint. Nasirzadeh recounted that Iran targeted only one U.S. base, Al-Udeid, using a limited number of missiles to avoid escalating the situation further. He pointed out the U.S. President’s initial denial of damage, which was later contradicted by evidence of the destruction caused to radar facilities at the base.

In response to messages for a ceasefire from regional governments, the Iranian leadership accepted the ceasefire on the condition that Iran would have the last word in the conflict. This decision was made to prevent further escalation, although the Iranian officials expressed their distrust towards the commitments of the Zionist regime and the U.S.

Concluding the meeting, Brigadier General Nasirzadeh reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to a robust defense industry that serves both deterrence and the promotion of regional peace. He articulated a vision of prosperity and cooperation for regional nations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding.

“Our message to the regional countries is peace, security, prosperity, and joint economic development through understanding, dialogue, respect, and mutual confidence-building,” he stated, underscoring the role of the International Affairs Department of the Ministry of Defense in fostering defense diplomacy.

This meeting and the discussions surrounding National Defense Industry Day underscore Iran’s determination to maintain and enhance its defense capabilities while advocating for stability and peace in the region.