Iran claims strikes and air defense success
Military warns of stronger response to any new attacks
Iran’s Army said its Air Force conducted multiple sorties at the outset of the US‑Israeli war, striking enemy bases in regional countries, including an anti‑Iran group’s site in Erbil, Iraq, and targets in Kuwait and Qatar. Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia highlighted an F‑5 jet operation that penetrated layered defenses to hit a US base, calling it an uncommon success.
He credited Iran’s integrated air‑defense network—coordinating Army and IRGC units—with downing “more than 170” enemy aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, and destroying advanced, high‑value drones. Akraminia said Iran has used wartime experience to upgrade equipment, expand its target bank and continue training, stressing that Tehran does not view the recent fragile truce as an end to hostilities.
The spokesman warned any new aggression would prompt “a more crushing response,” asserting the armed forces hold undisclosed “winning cards” and are prepared for long‑term conflict until adversaries are deterred. He also described improved coordination between Army and IRGC forces across domains, noting a maritime division of responsibility around the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement accused the US and Israel of launching unprovoked attacks and said Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones under “Operation True Promise 4.”
