Iran’s Missile Arsenal Remains Intact After 12-Day Conflict, Claims IRGC Commander
In a recent interview, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the deputy coordinator of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) during the intense 12-Day War, shared crucial insights into the military dynamics and ramifications of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran. He emphasized that Iran’s missile force emerged remarkably unscathed throughout the conflict.
“Not even a scratch, not a thin line the size of a fly’s feather, has been made on the body of our missiles,” Naqdi stated, highlighting that none of Iran’s “missile cities” sustained damage and that launch operations resumed promptly after the attacks.
On June 13, Israel initiated an unprovoked aggression against Iran, sparking a 12-day war that resulted in the tragic loss of at least 1,064 lives, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and innocent civilians. The United States escalated the conflict by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites, a significant violation of international law.
By June 24, Iran had conducted successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, effectively halting the terrorist assault.
According to General Naqdi, despite the enemy forces deploying their full capabilities in Gaza, including advanced equipment and newly developed weapons, the Israeli military was unable to dismantle Hamas’s extensive tunnel network, which had been in place for two years. He suggested that Iran’s tunnels are now even more secure following the brief conflict.
Key Takeaways from the 12-Day War
- Israel’s Failure to Destroy Missile Launchers: General Naqdi dismissed claims from enemy sources that they had destroyed half of Iran’s missile launchers, asserting that they managed to eliminate less than 3% of them.
- Indigenous Technology: He emphasized that Iran’s missile technology is fully indigenous and simple enough to be manufactured in a blacksmith shop. Iran reportedly has more launchers than prior to the conflict and the capability to produce tens of thousands more.
- Broader Coalitions: Naqdi indicated that Iran is not just in conflict with Israel, but rather a wider coalition including NATO members such as the US, UK, and France, as well as Jordan.
- Intelligence Operations: He pointed out the presence of US bases in neighboring countries, foreign embassies in Tehran, and various satellites feeding real-time intelligence to Israel. Daily patrols by foreign drones in the Persian Gulf also monitor Iranian territory.
- Defensive Success: During recent military operations, the IRGC reportedly shot down 43 advanced drones belonging to the Israeli regime, contributing to a total of over 140 hostile drones eliminated by Iranian defenses.
General Naqdi stressed that these defensive achievements stemmed entirely from localized capabilities. He noted that although systems like the S-300 were reported to be ineffective, “indigenous systems performed better.” He further highlighted that domestic systems are not only more efficient but also modifiable, upgradeable, and continuously updated, providing a significant advantage unique to indigenous technology.
He concluded by indicating that the enemy sustained a substantial blow, reinforcing the notion that reliance on domestic power enables Iran to withstand even the most advanced adversaries. Notably, he mentioned that Iran did not seek a ceasefire to conclude the 12-day conflict, as field commanders reported no operational difficulties during the engagements.
“We had no problem; the pressure was bearable. The forces were standing firm,” General Naqdi asserted, emphasizing the resilience and strength of the IRGC.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of the 12-Day War remain significant for regional security and international relations.
Source: MNA/Press TV
