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EXCLUSIVE

Western intelligence agencies spot unusual Iranian air activity, sources say

Dec 20, 2025, 17:56 GMT+0Updated: 22:31 GMT+0
File photo shows Iran launching a ballistic missile during military drills
File photo shows Iran launching a ballistic missile during military drills

Western intelligence agencies have detected unusual activity involving Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, prompting heightened monitoring, sources familiar with the assessments told Iran International.

The activity involves movements and coordination beyond normal patterns, including Iranian drone, missile and air-defence units, the sources said.

The developments could be linked to military exercises, Western officials with knowledge of the matter told Iran International but added that the scale and synchronization had drawn closer scrutiny.

Intelligence services are tracking command-and-control signals, deployments and logistical movements associated with the IRGC Air Force, the sources said.

The assessments come amid continued tensions between Iran and Western countries over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs, and speculation about the possibility of renewed Israeli or even US attacks on Iran.

NBC News reported earlier today that Israeli officials are preparing to brief US President Donald Trump on options for possible new military strikes on Iran, citing concerns that Tehran is expanding its ballistic missile program.

Israeli officials believe Iran is rebuilding facilities linked to ballistic missile production and repairing air defenses damaged in a 12-day war in June, which they view as more urgent concerns than nuclear enrichment and fears of Tehran acquiring a nuclear weapon, NBC reported.

Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon but the United States and Western countries want Iran to end uranium enrichment, curb its missile power and rein its aid for armed groups in the region like Hamas and Hezbollah. Tehran has rejected the conditions.

Earlier this month, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed speculations about a possible fresh round of war on Iran, calling it part of “enemy propaganda”.

“Today, beyond these military confrontations — which have existed, as you have seen, and whose likelihood is constantly being talked up, with some even deliberately fanning the flames to create anxiety, though they will not succeed, God willing — we are facing a propaganda and media confrontation,” Khamenei said.

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