Iranian military official insists air defenses are strong

The long-range air defence system called Arman is displayed during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran, Iran, in this picture obtained on February 17, 2024.
The long-range air defence system called Arman is displayed during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran, Iran, in this picture obtained on February 17, 2024.

A senior Iranian defense official has asserted that the country’s air defense systems are stronger than ever, despite reports that an Israeli attack in October severely damaged Iran’s Russian-supplied defenses.

Speaking on Friday, Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi, Deputy Minister of Defense for Industrial and Research Affairs, said: "The reality is that in war, clashes happen. But the idea that our defense system has weakened or, as some ignorant individuals say, has been destroyed, is absolutely false".

"Our defense system, in terms of deployment, diversity, and capabilities, has not only not weakened but has become even stronger since before the Zionist regime's aggression," he added.

Farahi’s remarks come on the heels of statements from other top Iranian leaders earlier in the week. On Thursday, President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking in Bushehr, home to a major nuclear plant, warned against potential strikes on the country's nuclear facilities, stating: "If you (the enemy) strike a hundred of those, we will build a thousand other ones. You can hit the buildings and places, but you cannot hit those who build them... you cannot erase the minds of our scientists."

On Wednesday, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, during a visit to an exhibition of Iran’s latest military products, emphasized the importance of advancing the country’s missile capabilities: "Progress should not be stopped. We cannot be satisfied with our current level. If we previously set a limit for the accuracy of our missiles but now feel that limit is no longer sufficient, we must push forward. Today, our defensive power is well-known, and our enemies fear it. This is crucial for our country."

The wave of statements from Iranian officials comes after former US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities this month. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said: "Everyone thinks Israel, with our help or our approval, will go in and bomb the hell out of them. I would prefer that not to happen."

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Israel is considering strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, citing US intelligence assessments that view Iran as vulnerable in the final days of the Biden administration.