Revolutionary Guards aerospace chief briefs parliament on military readiness

Iran's Revolutionary Guards aerospace commander briefed lawmakers on the country’s military posture, asserting that Iran's defense capabilities are stronger than ever and that no credible military threat currently exists against the Islamic Republic.

Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, addressed members of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in a closed-door session, the committee's spokesperson, Ebrahim Rezaei, told Tasnim news agency.

General Hajizadeh provided a detailed report on regional security dynamics and adversarial activities, emphasizing Iran’s growing missile and drone capabilities. He said that Iran has significantly increased its deterrence power and operational readiness in recent years.

Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force (center) during a meeting with members of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee

According to Rezaei, the IRGC commander described “True Promise 2”attack on Israel as the largest missile strike in the world to date, claiming over 75% of missiles launched in the operation hit designated targets. He said the strike sent a “clear message” to adversaries, particularly Israel.

The October attacks, while more successful at saturating Israeli air defenses than in April, did not appear to cause extensive damage. Israel said it had shot down most of the missiles and there had been no harm to its air force's capabilities.

Hajizadeh dismissed recent reports suggesting a decline in Iran’s defense strength as part of what he called a Western and Israeli media campaign aimed at undermining Iran’s image.

Fox News reported last year that Iran’s four Russian-made S-300 air defense systems allegedly destroyed by Israeli strikes, one in April and three in October 2024, constituted the entirety of the Islamic Republic's S-300 inventory.

Hajizadeh added that the country’s offensive capabilities have expanded, and that Iran’s adversaries are now more vulnerable to retaliation than ever before.

Committee members expressed unanimous support for the IRGC Aerospace Force and urged further investment in Iran’s defense sector, according to Tasnim.