WANA (Jan 06) – Speaking at a press conference this afternoon during the Great Prophet 19 military exercise, Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), delivered strong warnings to Israel. He stated, “The enemy knows that the skies over the occupied territories are open and defenseless for us. We are capable of action with much greater volume, precision, speed, and destruction.”

 

Highlighting Iran’s readiness for large-scale and complex battles, Naeini added, “We are prepared for the moment the order is issued to launch operations against the Zionists.”

 

Lessons for the Enemy

General Naeini emphasized that Iran has provided lessons to its adversaries through its response to various threats. These include countering instigations, intelligence, political, and economic warfare, cultural and security conflicts, and the eight-year imposed war. He remarked, “Operations like ‘True Promise’ represent only a small fraction of our inexhaustible power.”

 

Advancing Weaponry and National Resolve

Discussing advancements in Iran’s military capabilities, Naeini stated, “The production and design of weapons and missiles have seen daily progress in quantity, skill, and innovation. The Iranian nation should know that the enemy has never had superiority over us in any battle. We have never suffered an intelligence defeat.” He accused adversaries of waging perception warfare to undermine Iran’s morale and compensate for their failures.

 

He added, “Due to recent regional developments, the enemy has developed a false sense of euphoria and miscalculated perceptions. Through perception warfare, they aim to portray ongoing developments as weakening the Islamic Republic. We tell our enemies: we are always ready and act promptly when needed. We will once again reshape the delusional enemy’s calculations when the command is given.”

 

Great Prophet 19 Military Exercise

Referring to the Great Prophet 19 exercise, Naeini explained that these joint military drills are conducted annually during the last three months of the year by the Iranian Army and the IRGC across land, air, and sea. The main phases of the exercise are scheduled for January, with additional components extending until the end of the Iranian year.

 

“This exercise is fully defensive, offensive, and hybrid in nature,” Naeini noted, emphasizing its alignment with evolving security threats. He described it as a continuation of annual drills aimed at maintaining readiness, with the current iteration designed under the shared banner of “Authority” and the exclusive title of 19.

 

A Response to New Threats

Naeini clarified that these drills represent Iran’s closest simulations to real combat scenarios. Their primary goals include countering potential military threats, preventing sabotage, and bolstering national morale. He underscored the significance of these drills as a testament to Iran’s defensive strength and offensive capability, particularly in response to Israeli claims made after an attack on October 26, alleging that Iran lacked missile production and defensive capabilities.

 

“Iran has never paused missile production for a single day. Our defense systems are fully operational and have undergone significant upgrades in many cases,” Naeini stressed.

 

The ongoing Great Prophet exercises reflect Iran’s determination to demonstrate its military strength, deter aggression, and assert its sovereignty amidst regional tensions.

 

Upcoming Military Drills and Advances in Defense Capabilities

The spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that global defense systems have proven ineffective in countering even a single missile or drone launched in self-defense by Yemen. He added that the forthcoming defensive and offensive drills by the IRGC in the coming days and weeks would send a clear message to adversaries.

 

Israel’s Miscalculations and Vulnerabilities

Brigadier General Naeini emphasized that Israel suffers from delusions and miscalculations, pointing out that the powerful “Wa’d al-Sadiq” (True Promise) offensive operations demonstrated only a fraction of Iran’s offensive capabilities. He stated, “Contrary to media propaganda, the skies of the Zionist regime are insecure against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

He reiterated Iran’s defensive doctrine, asserting that the country will not initiate any conflict in the region. However, upcoming drills aim to bolster Iran’s readiness and defensive-offensive power to confront any threats.

 

Support for the Resistance Front

The IRGC spokesperson noted that Iran’s ability to strike at the foundations of Israel aligns with its role in supporting the larger resistance front. He added, “Enemy military threats have only strengthened societal cohesion and the unity of our armed forces.” The IRGC is committed to fortifying the foundations of national security and hybrid power, working with and for the people of Iran.

 

Next-Generation Armed Forces

General Naeini highlighted the revolutionary and anti-American stance of today’s armed forces, describing their unity and solidarity as a thorn in the side of enemies. He said, “The IRGC considers itself a sacrifice for the Iranian people and the oppressed worldwide, as demonstrated by its drills aimed at ensuring the security and peace of Iran.”

 

Revealing New Missile and Drone Technologies

Simultaneously with The Great Prophet 19 drills, the IRGC plans to unveil new sections of its missile and drone cities within its Aerospace Force, under the supervision of the IRGC Commander-in-Chief. The drills will also feature the unveiling of parts of two underground missile and naval cities in southern Iran, along with new-generation, unique drones.

 

Details of Upcoming Naval Exercises

The IRGC announced that The Great Prophet 19 naval drills in the Persian Gulf would take place from January 18 to 23. On January 11, over 300 military vessels and drones will participate in operations for intelligent traffic control in the Strait of Hormuz. On January 27, the largest naval parade, featuring over 2,000 military and civilian vessels, will be held in the Strait of Hormuz under the supervision of the IRGC’s Naval Zones 2, 3, and 4.

 

Major Naval Additions

The drills will also include the addition of key naval assets. The Martyr Bahman Bagheri drone-carrier ship, a pivotal project of the IRGC Navy, and the Martyr Rais Ali Delvari ship will join the fleet.

 

The Bahman Bagheri is an ocean-going vessel capable of traveling up to 22,000 nautical miles, hosting unmanned combat aircraft, and deploying helicopters from its 180-meter runway. It can also launch light missile boats equipped with medium- and long-range cruise missiles.

 

The Rais Ali Delvari, the fourth ship in the IRGC’s Martyr Soleimani-class fleet, is fully Iranian-made and equipped with short- and medium-range missile systems, medium- and long-range defense systems, and stealth technology. It features a unique aluminum hull design, can reach speeds of 32 knots, and is capable of launching and recovering three light missile boats.

 

International Cooperation and Ground Forces Exercises

The IRGC Navy will also participate in a joint Unity Alliance exercise with the Iranian Army’s Navy and Gulf countries in late February.

 

Additionally, the IRGC Ground Forces will conduct the defensive-security The Great Prophet 19 drills in Kermanshah and Khuzestan provinces, under the Najaf and Karbala headquarters. Simultaneously, base-specific drills will be held on January 27 and February 4  at the Jasak and Chabahar bases as part of the naval mobilization effort.